Court says that the National Task Force has a very positive and continuous engagement with the government
The Supreme Court on Wednesday gave an oral suggestion to the petitioners, about their apprehensions in the court-appointed National Task Force (NTF), about better facilities and access to the COVID-19 vaccine for lactating mothers, pregnant women, people with disabilities and children. In loop.
“The National Task Force had a very positive and continuous engagement with the Government since the formation of the Government… Many of its suggestions were accepted by the Government… Your issues can be put before the Task Force. One can take a look…the issues have bearing on public policy,” a bench headed by Justice DY Chandrachud addressed the petitioners.
The NTF was constituted by the court last year to enhance and streamline the COVID-19 response.
Meanwhile, the government said it has accepted several suggestions of the petitioners and would soon file a comprehensive affidavit.
The court listed the matter for hearing on January 17.
The court was considering separate petitions filed by different parties, including the Delhi Commission for Protection of Child Rights and Evara Foundation, an NGO.
The NGO had demanded preferential vaccine slots and a dedicated helpline for persons with disabilities, apart from the CoVin portal.
The petition argued that the protection of persons with disabilities is clearly required under the Rights of Persons with Disabilities Act. The state’s obligation to have quick and easy access to COVID-19 vaccines for them also falls under the ‘principle of reasonable accommodation’.
The Delhi Commission for Protection of Child Rights had demanded easy availability of vaccines for pregnant women and lactating mothers.
Advocate Vrinda Grover for the commission had earlier said that the petition was originally filed during the second wave in May 2021. He said the government has since prepared operational guidelines for pregnant and lactating women.
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