Covid vaccination voluntary, says HC
Source: Chronicle News Service

Imphal, August 23 2021: The High Court of Manipur on Monday ruled that Covid-19 vaccination is voluntary and not mandatory.

According to a statement issued by Human Rights Law Network (HRLN), a Public Interest Litigation (PIL) filed by one Osbert Khaling through advocate Carolin Kasar was heard by a division bench of the High Court comprising chief justice Sanjay Kumar and justice Lanusungkum Jamir through video conferencing on Monday.

Earlier, the court had passed an interim order on June 13, staying the notification issued by special secretary, Home Department wherein the court clearly stated that prioritising, putting conditions and restraining people who are yet to get vaccinated or denying them their livelihood by linking their employment, be it NREGA or private projects would be illegal on the part of the state, if not unconstitutional.

However, contrary to the High Court's ruling, Tamen-glong deputy commissioner issued an order on August 2 imposing restriction on movement of unvaccinated people or non-possession of Covid negative certificate (within 72 hours).

The order barred entry into offices/banks, and prohibited various service providers like shop keepers, vegetable vendor, etc., both private and Government.

The same order also restricted allocation of monthly ration to fair price shop agents and renewal of their permit in case he/she was not vaccinated, recounted the HRLN statement.

Subsequently, the high court stayed the order issued by Tamenglong DC.

The district administration concerned is duty bound to work and ensure welfare and wellbeing of the people, whereby in doing so the rights of the individuals) cannot be deprived as per Article 21 of the Constitution, mentioned the court's ruling.

In the light of the aforementioned facts, the DC being the administrative head has been impleaded as Respondent No 4 in the PIL No 34 of 2021, Osbert Khaling vs State of Manipur and two Others, the ruling added.

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