Sakshi Chhabra
The Chhattisgarh health department issued notice to its respective District Collectors to pause the vaccinations in the state.
This step was taken after objections were received from the High Court stating to reconsider its vaccination policy.
The government postponed the vaccination of the age group of 18-44 till further notice.
On 5th May a notice regarding the same was issued by the health department notifying the District Collectors that vaccinating under the current policy could be construed as ‘contempt of court’.
The circular stated that even after demanding 75 lakh vaccines the state did not receive any notification till April 30 as to how many vaccines will be delivered, and later only 1.5 lakh vaccination doses were delivered.
It further read that the Court has asked for a more planned policy regarding the division of vaccines.
The High Court then stated that due to limited supply of vaccination doses and paucity of vaccines, people’s right to health has been violated.
The Chhattisgarh High Court then asked the government to reconsider its vaccination policy and institutionalize the allotment of vaccines in the State.
It further asked to prioritize vaccinating the age group of 18 to 44 years as it is the working population of the state.
The bench of Chief Justice P R Ramachandra Menon and Justice P P Sahu directed the state government to hold discussion with the top management and frame a new vaccination policy in the State.
This case was heard after petitions were filed by several interveners, including Janta Congress Chhattisgarh head Amit Jogi challenging the Chhattisgarh government’s decision to vaccinate Antyodaya card holders first.
It was argued that the sub-classification made by the government is beyond constitutional law and violates the right to equality.
The petition further stated that this policy has introduced class and income differentiation. Jogi said, “The entire world is following the concept of Triage, to provide vaccines to those who are vulnerable and have comorbidities. The decision of the state government is not only unscientific but also against the constitution.”
The bench further directed the Chhattisgarh government to take the necessary actions and rationalize the State’s vaccination policy.
The matter will be heard next on May 7.