The Supreme Court of India on Tuesday directed the central government to formulate a no fault compensation policy for individuals who experience serious adverse effects following Covid vaccination. The order was issued by a bench comprising Justices Vikram Nath and Sandeep Mehta while hearing matters related to vaccine safety and compensation for individuals affected by adverse reactions.
The court stated that the Union Government should prepare a policy framework that allows compensation for individuals who suffer from severe adverse events after receiving a Covid vaccine. The concept of a no fault compensation policy means that individuals who experience significant medical complications following vaccination may receive financial assistance without the need to prove negligence or fault by any authority.
While issuing the direction, the bench clarified that the current system for monitoring adverse events following immunisation will continue to operate. The court observed that India already has an established mechanism to scientifically assess and monitor adverse events related to vaccines through health authorities and medical experts.
The Supreme Court also stated that there is no need to create a separate court appointed expert committee to evaluate vaccine related side effects. According to the bench, the existing scientific system in place is capable of evaluating such cases and providing necessary technical assessments.
Adverse events following immunisation refer to any medical condition that occurs after a person receives a vaccine. These events may or may not be directly caused by the vaccine. Health authorities around the world closely monitor such cases to ensure vaccine safety and to maintain public confidence in immunisation programmes.
During the Covid pandemic, India carried out one of the largest vaccination campaigns in the world. Millions of people received vaccines as part of the national effort to control the spread of the coronavirus and reduce severe illness. The vaccination programme played a significant role in protecting public health and reducing the impact of the pandemic across the country.
The court emphasised that while vaccines are an important public health tool, mechanisms should also exist to support individuals who suffer rare but serious side effects. A structured compensation policy, the bench suggested, would provide support to affected individuals and also strengthen trust in vaccination programmes.
The Supreme Court further directed that data related to adverse events following immunisation should continue to be monitored and periodically placed in the public domain. Making such information publicly available helps maintain transparency and allows researchers and public health experts to study vaccine safety trends.
Legal experts say the direction to develop a no fault compensation policy could help create a clear system for handling claims related to vaccine side effects. Similar policies exist in several countries where governments provide financial assistance to individuals who experience severe reactions after vaccination.
The Union Government is expected to examine the court direction and develop an appropriate policy framework in consultation with health authorities and scientific experts. The move is likely to become an important step in strengthening India public health response system and ensuring continued confidence in vaccination programmes.
