Can’t play with people’s lives by revaccination: Supreme Court

Since Bharat Biotech’s Covaxin isn’t approved by the WHO, each day numerous people are being denied to travel abroad. Advocate Kartik Seth has argued the matter in the Indian supreme court. 

Responding to a plea that stated people facing troubles in getting international travel permission, the Supreme Court on Friday stated that it ‘can’t play with the lives of millions of people. The apex court refused to direct the central government of India to revaccinate fully vaccinated (Covaxin) citizens with a CoviShield dose. 

A two-judge bench consisting of Justice DY Chandrachud and Justice BV Nagarathna stated, “We cannot play with the people’s lives by recommending Centre to revaccinate. Presently, we do not have any data. We are aware of the news that Bharat Biotech has filed an application of approval to the WHO. Let us wait for the WHO’s response. We will continue further discussions on this matter after the Diwali holidays.”

In-person, advocate Kartik Seth stated that every day, a number of persons who want to travel overseas are denied entry because Covaxin is not acknowledged by the WHO. He pointed out that under the current system, someone who has already been vaccinated with Covaxin cannot register for Covishield jabs on the Cowin site, and a directive can be given to the Centre in this matter.

“Without data, we can’t pass a directive to administer another vaccine.” We appreciate your concern, but let us await the WHO’s response,” the SC bench remarked. 

The court also voiced concern, stating that competitors may try to profit from the litigation by filing a PIL. 

Seth stated that his PIL is strictly a Public Interest Litigation since some students who wish to study abroad are unable to enter certain countries.

According to Seth’s petition, the government failed to inform the public that Covaxin had not been approved by the World Health Organization (WHO). Bharat Biotech, the manufacturer of the indigenous vaccine, had only applied for approval in April 2021, according to the report.

Following that, in May, it was revealed that many nations are refusing to admit those who have been vaccinated with vaccines other than those listed by the World Health Organization. 

The petition requested a directive to the relevant department, the dissemination of official data, and an explanation for the delay in Covaxin’s clearance. It also requested that the real data and records be disclosed to the WHO in order to secure approval in Covaxin’s favour.

In response to WHO’s dilly-dallying behavior, the Indian government sends a strong message by suspending the vaccine donation to the WHO program.

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