Why is it in the news?
The Supreme Court directed the Union Government to formulate a no-fault compensation policy for serious adverse effects caused by Covid-19 vaccines.
The judgment highlighted the State’s responsibility in large public health interventions.
Category: Polity
Important Points:
● The Court invoked the principle of no-fault liability for victims of vaccine-related adverse effects.
● Victims or families can receive financial compensation without proving negligence by manufacturers or the government.
● The Court rejected the Centre’s argument that victims should file individual civil or consumer court cases.
● It held that forcing citizens into multiple legal battles could violate the right to equality under Article 14.
● The Court relied on Article 21 which recognises the State as a guardian of health and welfare.
● It noted that serious adverse events are extremely rare, such as certain blood clotting disorders occurring in about 0.001 per lakh doses.
● The Court stated that monitoring systems such as Adverse Events Following Immunisation committees are adequate for medical review.
● However, the State’s responsibility extends beyond surveillance to providing fair compensation.
● The compensation policy does not amount to an admission of liability by the government.