No one can be forced to take a vaccine: Centre to SC

Before the Supreme Court, the Central Government said clearly that there is no COVID-19 vaccine mandate and that vaccination is not mandatory. In response to a petition seeking to make vaccination more accessible to people with disabilities, the Central Government has told the Supreme Court of India that its guidelines prohibit coercive vaccination without the agreement of the individual concerned.

The Government has stated that no one can be forced to be vaccinated against their will, despite the fact that Covid-19 vaccination is in the public interest and has been duly advised, advertised, and communicated through various print and social media platforms that all citizens should get vaccinated.

The following are extracts from the Union Ministry of Health and Family Welfare’s affidavit:

"It is humbly submitted that the direction and guidelines released by Government of India and Ministry of Health and Family Welfare, do not envisage any forcible vaccination without obtaining consent of the concerned individual. It is further humbly submitted that vaccination for COVID-19 is of larger public interest in view of the ongoing pandemic situation. It is duly advised, advertised and communicated through various print and social media platforms that all citizens should get vaccinated and systems and processes have been designed to facilitate the same. However, no person can be forced to be vaccinated against their wishes.

It is most respectfully submitted that the Government of India has not issued any SOPs which make carrying of vaccination certificate mandatory for any purpose.

Counselling before vaccination: It is humbly submitted that Government of India has formulated Operational Guidelines for COVID-19 vaccination. As per these Guidelines, all beneficiaries are to be informed about adverse events which may occur after COVID-19 vaccine.”

The Union of India has informed the Court that a total of 23678 doses of vaccine have been given to disabled people who voluntarily opted to be designated as such by registering with their Unique Disability ID Card/Disability Certificate at the time of immunization.