[Vaccination Update] Affidavit filed by Central Govt in Supreme court on 29th November, 2021 overruled the order passed by Sitaram Kunte, Chief Secretary of Maharashtra Government on 28th November.

• The affidavit made it clear that the order, GR, SOP, by Maharashtra, Tamilnadu, Kerala, and any other state govt, District Collector about vaccine mandates are illegal.
• Supreme Court asked the petitioner to add all the states who are making such mandates as party Respondent.

Central Government once again made it clear that vaccines are not mandatory and it is not connected with any benefit any services. The affidavit filed by Central Government before Hon’ble Supreme Court in the matter between Dr. Jacob Puliyel Vs. Union of India Writ Petition (Civil) No. 607 Of 2021 is proof that Maharashtra and other governments are acting illegally.

The Counter Affidavit filed by Dr. P.B.N. Prasad, working as Joint Drugs Controller (India), Central Drugs Standard Control Organisation, Directorate General of Health Services, Ministry of Health and Family Welfare, Government of India on 28^th November 2021 the relevant Paragraph 64 reads as under;

“64. In so far as the Petitioner's submissions regarding Covid 19 vaccine being mandatory, as per the Operational Guidelines document, COVID-19 vaccination is voluntary. However, it is emphasised and encouraged that all individuals take vaccination for public health and in his/ her interest as well as public interest since in case of pandemic, an individual's ill health has a direct effect on the society. Covid-19 vaccination is also not linked to any benefits or services. Therefore, any submissions made by the Petitioner to the contrary, in so far as the Answering Respondents are concerned, is denied.”

You can download the copy of the Affidavit here