Centre tells SC that no person can be forcibly vaccinated.

On 14 January 2022, the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare (MoHFW) clarified before the Supreme Court that it has not made carrying a vaccination certificate mandatory for any purpose. Extracts of the statement are given below-

“The direction and guidelines released by Government of India and Ministry of Health and Family Welfare, do not envisage any forcible vaccination without obtaining consent of the concerned individual. It is further humbly submitted that vaccination for COVID-19 is of larger public interest in view of the ongoing pandemic situation. It is duly advised, advertised and communicated through various print and social media platforms that all citizens should get vaccinated and systems and processes have been designed to facilitate the same. However, no person can be forced to be vaccinated against their wishes.”