Supreme Court of India declines PIL against nationwide HPV vaccination drive

The Supreme Court of India has declined to entertain a Public Interest Litigation (PIL) filed by the Universal Health Organisation (UHO) regarding the government’s nationwide Human Papillomavirus (HPV) vaccination campaign for adolescent girls.

The UHO petition challenged the implementation of the school-based programme, alleging it violated constitutional rights to informed consent, bodily autonomy, and transparency. The petitioner argued that the drive lacked a lawful informed-consent framework, adequate risk disclosure, and a transparent mechanism for reporting adverse events.

A bench comprising Chief Justice of India Surya Kant and Justices Joymalya Bagchi and V. Mohana questioned the motives of the petition, orally observing that it appeared to lack bona fide intent and could potentially derail a programme critical to the health of millions. The court noted that any adverse vaccination events would be addressed under existing compensation rules. Following the court's observations, the counsel for the petitioner withdrew the plea, and the matter was dismissed as withdrawn.