Guwahati: The Central government told the Supreme Court that it has not issued any guideline that Vaccination without consent is possible, or a vaccination certificate is required for any purpose.
The Union Ministry of Health and Family Welfare stated in an affidavit filed on January 13 said that “no one can be forced to be vaccinated against their will.”
“The Government of India has not established any SOPs (Standard Operating Procedures) that require the carrying of a vaccination certificate for any purpose,” it added.
The ministry stated, “It is humbly submitted that the instruction and guidelines issued by the Government of India and the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare do not contemplate any coercive vaccination without the consent of the concerned individual.”
The government said that because “vaccination for Covid-19 is of greater public interest in light 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 that “systems and processes have been designed to facilitate the same.” No one can, however, be forced to be vaccinated against their will.”
The government has developed operational standards for Covid-19 immunisation, according to which “all beneficiaries must be informed about adverse effects that may occur following Covid-19 vaccine,” the report stated.
It may be mentioned that some states have issued orders to discourage citizens from refusing immunisation. Only fully vaccinated people would be allowed on local trains in Maharashtra, and the Kerala government has stated that it will not cover the cost of Covid-19 therapy for unvaccinated people.
In Assam also the state government issues guidelines that those people who are not fully vaccinated can not go to public places like malls, parks, use the public buses, etc.