The Delhi High Court has agreed to review a Public Interest Litigation challenging the Centre’s implementation of the Human Papillomavirus (HPV) vaccination program for adolescent girls under the Universal Immunisation Programme. The court issued notice on the plea and asked the Union government to provide data on adverse events following HPV vaccination by next week.
During the hearing, the Bench noted the seriousness of the issues raised in the petition, especially concerning girl children. Additional Solicitor General Chetan Sharma has been requested to assist the court in this matter. The PIL, filed through advocate Rohit Kumar, aims to safeguard the constitutional rights of young girls, including their rights to life, personal liberty, bodily autonomy, and informed consent under Articles 21 and 19 of the Constitution.
The petition questions the inclusion of the HPV vaccine, Gardasil, in the Universal Immunisation Programme, alleging that it is being administered to around 14-year-old girls without proper informed consent or parental approval. It also raises concerns about the lack of credible data on the vaccine’s efficacy and the necessity for the population. The plea argues that compulsory vaccination infringes on constitutional principles of bodily integrity and personal autonomy.
Referring to reported incidents of adverse effects following HPV vaccination, the petition seeks judicial intervention to address concerns regarding informed consent, safety, scientific basis, and public health priorities. It highlights the importance of regular screening for preventing cervical cancer and raises doubts about the long-term effectiveness of HPV vaccines. The petition also mentions international litigations involving Gardasil, citing concerns about its long-term safety profile.
