SC Asks Govt to Give Detail in Two Weeks Steps Taken to Vaccinate at Home People with Disabilities
NEW DELHI, Sept 2: The Supreme Court on Monday asked the Centre to give details of the steps taken by it to facilitate persons with disabilities to gain easy access to COVID-19 vaccines in order to equally protect them against the virus.
A Bench of Justices DY Chandrachud and BV Nagarathna issued notice on a petition filed by NGO Evara Foundation, represented by advocate Pankaj Sinha. The court said it was a “significant issue” and directed the government to respond in two weeks.
The petition has sought adequate provisions to be made by the government to vaccinate persons with disabilities at home. It urged the court to direct the government to give preference to persons with disabilities while scheduling vaccination slots. The plea has also sought a dedicated helpline, besides CoWIN, for them to book their vaccination.
The petition argued that protection for persons with disabilities was explicitly required under the Right of Persons with Disabilities Act. The obligation of the State to make available quick and easy access to COVID-19 vaccine for them fell within the ‘Principle of Reasonable Accommodation.’ The Bench said it wanted to know what steps the government had taken to resolve the “genuine grievances” of persons with disabilities.
Meanwhile, the court also issued notice in a separate petition filed by the Delhi Commission for Protection of Child Rights seeking easy availability of vaccines for pregnant women and lactating mothers.
Advocate Vrinda Grover, for the Commission, said the petition was originally filed in May during the second wave. She said the government had since then framed operating guidelines for pregnant and lactating women.
However, Ms. Grover said very little was still known about the COVID-19 virus. “There is a need to conduct scientific research to see the virus’s effect on pregnant women and lactating mothers… There is a need to ensure continuous monitoring,” the senior lawyer submitted.
The court asked the Solicitor-General of India to explain the implementation of the guidelines.
(Manas Dasgupta)
