SC refuses to entertain PIL raising concerns over HPV vaccination campaign
The Supreme Court of India dismissed a PIL challenging the government's HPV vaccination campaign, citing ulterior motives and a lack of bona fide intent. The court emphasized the importance of the health initiative while noting that standard compensation rules apply for any adverse medical events.
Why it matters
The ruling reinforces the judiciary's support for public health initiatives and discourages legal challenges that could undermine national vaccination programs.
The Supreme Court on Thursday (September 10, 2026) refused to entertain a PIL raising concerns over the government-run nationwide human papillomavirus (HPV) vaccination campaign for adolescent girls to prevent cervical cancer.
A Bench of Chief Justice of India (CJI) Surya Kant and Justices Joymalya Bagchi and V. Mohana said whenever there is a case of incorrect vaccination, ordinary rules of compensation will apply.
"Would you like to withdraw? Do you want us to comment something?" the Bench observed.
"Don't ask us to make harsh observations. If petitioner members are doctors, it's a very very serious issue. It's a question of health of millions of our daughters. And you want to derail this," it said.
The top court orally said that the PIL was filed with an ulterior motive and lacked bonafide.
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