Supreme Court Orders No-Fault Compensation for Vaccine Adverse Events

The Supreme Court has directed the Centre to establish a no-fault compensation policy for serious adverse events related to Covid-19 vaccinations. While maintaining existing monitoring mechanisms, the court clarified that such a framework should not imply liability. Individuals can pursue other legal remedies if needed.

In a significant directive, the Supreme Court has instructed the Central Government to develop a no-fault compensation policy for serious adverse reactions resulting from Covid-19 vaccinations. The decision, delivered by Justices Vikram Nath and Sandeep Mehta, emphasizes that the existing system for monitoring adverse post-immunisation events will remain operational.

Justice Nath, while pronouncing the judgment, stated that there is no need for a separate court-appointed expert body given the current scientific evaluation mechanisms are deemed sufficient. This judgment does not prevent individuals from seeking other legal remedies. Moreover, the compensation framework should not be interpreted as an admission of liability or fault by the Union of India or any other authority.

This verdict arose from pleas, including one citing the alleged deaths of two women in 2021 following their first Covishield vaccine dose. The plea claims that severe adverse effects post-immunisation were the cause.