In Brief
Families whose relatives died or suffered serious medical complications after receiving COVID-19 vaccines sought compensation and investigation. The Supreme Court held that while vaccine approvals were lawful, the absence of a compensation framework for vaccine-related injuries violates the right to health under Article 21. The Court rejected demands for an independent medical board, finding existing oversight mechanisms adequate. Instead, it directed the Union Government to formulate a no-fault compensation policy for serious adverse events following COVID-19 vaccination, recognizing that affected families should not be relegated to proving negligence in civil courts when harm occurs during state-led public health programs.
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