In Brief
A senior paediatrician and former NTAGI member sought a public interest writ challenging COVID-19 vaccine mandates and seeking disclosure of clinical trial data. The Supreme Court held that while bodily integrity is protected under Article 21 and individuals cannot be forced to vaccinate, the government may impose reasonable, proportionate restrictions on unvaccinated persons to protect public health. The Court found the Union's vaccination policy reasonable and not manifestly arbitrary. However, the Court found vaccine mandates currently disproportionate given emerging evidence that vaccinated and unvaccinated individuals pose similar transmission risks. The Court directed states to review restrictions, directed public disclosure of clinical trial key findings, and mandated a platform for adverse event reporting by individuals and private practitioners.
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