Shivangi Prakash-
The Meghalaya High Court ordered the State Government to address the issue of vaccine concern in the state in a timely and appropriate manner.
A division bench comprising Chief Justice Biswanath Somadder and Justice H.S. Thangkhiew reaffirmed its prior orders issued on June 23:
“We reiterate our earlier observation and direct the State Government to deal with the vaccine hesitation issue on a priority basis – with full earnest – effectively.”
The development occurred while dealing with a PIL over directives issued by the State Government requiring shopkeepers, vendors, local taxi drivers, and others to get vaccinated before they may continue their enterprises.
The Court previously stated that compelled or coercive vaccination has no legal basis and should be ruled ultra vires ex initio.
It then published a series of directives aimed at encouraging citizens to be vaccinated and removing any fears they may have had about it
It was further ordered that if any person or organisation attempts to promote disinformation about the efficacy of vaccination among the people of this State, the concerned authorities of the State must intervene immediately and take legal action against such person or organisation.
The Court also agreed to keep a close eye on the situation so that the State Government can address the vaccine hesitancy issue as soon as possible and ensure that all eligible people in the state get vaccinated within the period set by the State.
However, after hearing from the Advocate General, the Court concluded that the matter required further investigation.
In view of this, the Court directed the Advocate General to apprise the Court specifically as to the manner in which the vaccine hesitation issue is being dealt with by the State Government on the next date of hearing.
The matter is listed for hearing on August 9.
Also read: Supreme Court to hear a plea on Kolkata’s Fake Vaccine Drive