The Center in its affidavit has filed this in response to a petition by NGO Evara Foundation seeking priority door-to-door COVID-19 vaccination for persons with disabilities.
The Center has told the Supreme Court that the COVID-19 inoculation guidelines issued by the Union Health Ministry do not envisage forced vaccination without obtaining the consent of a person.
On the issue of exempting persons with disabilities from producing vaccination certificates, the Center told the top court that it has not issued any SOP which makes it mandatory to carry vaccination certificates for any purpose.
The Center has filed this in its affidavit in response to a petition by NGO Evara Foundation, seeking priority door-to-door COVID-19 vaccination for persons with disabilities.
“It is submitted that the guidelines issued by the Government of India and the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare do not envisage any forced vaccination without obtaining the consent of the person concerned.
“It is submitted that in view of the prevailing pandemic situation, vaccination for COVID-19 is in greater public interest,” the affidavit filed by the Union Health Ministry said.
The ministry said that “it is duly advised, advertised and communicated through various print and social media platforms that all citizens should get vaccinated and systems and procedures have been designed to facilitate the same”.
“However, no person can be forced to vaccinate against their will,” it said.
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