More Stories

Informist, Wednesday, Jul. 22, 2026

 

NEW DELHI – The Delhi High Court Wednesday issued notices to the Centre and the Indian Council of Medical Research on a petition challenging the government's nationwide rollout of Human Papillomavirus Vaccine without adequate study. Observing that it is a very important issue, the high court said it would hear the petition, filed by gynaecologist Sujata Mittal, on Jul. 29.

 

"Vaccination is a good scheme, but if there are some adverse consequences, we will have to be very cautious. Seek instructions from the ministry (of chemicals and fertilizers). Ask some officer to come and brief you. Someone who is in charge of all this should come and brief you, and ensure that someone from the drug control organisation also comes and briefs you," said a bench of Chief Justice Devendra Kumar Upadhyaya and Justice Tejas Karia. The court said that it wasn't doubting the government's intention but the issue concerned all girl children and "we have to tread a very cautious path". 

 

The Human Papillomavirus vaccine is an injection that prevents cancers caused by Human Papillomavirus, including cervical, vaginal, vulvar, anal, penile, and throat cancers, as well as genital warts. The government runs a free, nationwide Human Papillomavirus vaccination campaign targeting adolescent girls. India's national programme uses Gardasil-4 vaccine at designated government health facilities, including primary health centres and government medical colleges.

 

The petitioner has raised questions over the data, efficacy and the requirement of the vaccine used by the government. Vaccination is being carried out in schools, and frontline health workers are given targets to increase enrolment, which in many cases leads to undue pressure on young girls, said the petitioner. 

 

The nationwide rollout of the vaccine without conclusive studies and informed consent violates constitutional rights to bodily autonomy and personal liberty, said the petitioner. Concerns about the conduct of Human Papillomavirus vaccine trials and participant consent remain unresolved, said the petitioner. The vaccine's long-term efficacy in preventing cervical cancer has not been conclusively established and regular screening remains the most effective preventive strategy, said the petitioner. The petitioner also sought judicial scrutiny of the programme, contending that it raises serious concerns regarding consent, safety, scientific basis, and public health policy.  End

 

Reported by Surya Tripathi

Edited by Avishek Dutta

 

For users of real-time market data terminals, Informist news is available exclusively on the NSE Cogencis WorkStation.

 

Cogencis news is now Informist news. This follows the acquisition of Cogencis Information Services Ltd. by NSE Data & Analytics Ltd., a 100% subsidiary of the National Stock Exchange of India Ltd. As a part of the transaction, the news department of Cogencis has been sold to Informist Media Pvt. Ltd.

 

Informist Media Tel +91 (11) 4220-1000

Send comments to feedback@informistmedia.com

 

© Informist Media Pvt. Ltd. 2026. All rights reserved.