In a significant hearing on Tuesday, the Supreme Court of India addressed a plea concerning the deaths of two women allegedly caused by vaccine-induced complications after receiving the Covishield vaccine. The Centre robustly defended its vaccination program, describing the COVID-19 pandemic as “a disaster like no other” and asserting that vaccination efforts had saved countless lives.
Represented by Additional Solicitor General Aishwarya Bhati, the Centre emphasized the unprecedented nature of the pandemic and the critical role vaccinations played in mitigating its impact. The plea, brought forward by the parents of the deceased women, argued that their daughters suffered severe adverse effects following immunization (AEFI) that led to their deaths shortly after receiving their first vaccine doses in 2021.
Senior Advocate Colin Gonsalves, representing the petitioners, did not dispute the gravity of the pandemic but highlighted the specific grievances related to the alleged lack of disclosure about the vaccine’s potential adverse effects and appropriate remedies. The petitioners have requested amendments to the relief clause, seeking clear government guidelines on possible side effects and their treatments.
During the hearing, Justice Vikram Nath and Justice P B Varale noted the complexity of the issues presented, referring to the cases as “luxury litigations” given their broader implications on public health policy and legal accountability. Despite this characterization, the bench acknowledged the personal losses suffered and the need for a thorough judicial examination.
The discussion also touched on the international response to the Covishield vaccine, with Gonsalves pointing out that the vaccine was discontinued in several European countries due to safety concerns. The bench directed him to provide a copy of the application detailing these concerns to the Centre’s lawyer within three days, setting the stage for a comprehensive response from the government.
The Centre has been given four weeks to respond to the petitioners’ amended application. The matter is set for further hearing after the Centre submits its response, where the Supreme Court will delve deeper into the allegations of vaccine-induced injuries and the adequacy of governmental disclosures and responses to such incidents.
