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Supreme Court asks Centre to submit data on what percentage of population has been inoculated with one/both the doses, purchase history of all COVID 19 vaccine, outline on vaccination under subsequent phases and steps taken to ensure drug availability for treatment of mucormycosis.

A Full Bench of Justice DY Chandrachud, Justice Ravindra Bhat and Justice Nageswara Rao, pursuant to its hearing on May 30^th, have passed an order seeking:

1. Data on percentage of population that has been vaccinated (with one dose and both doses), as against eligible persons in the first three phases of the vaccination drive, including data on rural population.
2. Data on Central Government’s purchase history of all the COVID-19 vaccines till date (Covaxin, Covishield and Sputnik V); “The data should clarify dates of all procurement orders placed by the Central Government for all 3 vaccines, the quantity of vaccines ordered as on each date and the projected date of supply”
3. Outline for how and when the Central Government seeks to vaccinate the remaining population in phases 1, 2 and 3.
4. Steps being taken by the Central Government to ensure drug availability for mucormycosis.

Directions have been further issued for producing relevant documents reflecting Government’s thinking resulting in the present vaccination policy.

State and UTs have been issued direction to confirm their position for free vaccination within the State; “We also note that UoI’s stated position in its affidavit dated 9 May 2021 is that every State/UT Government shall provide vaccination free of cost to its population. It is important that individual State/UT Governments confirm/deny this position before this Court. Further, if they have decided to vaccinate their population for free then, as a matter of principle, it is important that this policy is annexed to their affidavit, so that the population within their territories can be assured of their right to be vaccinated for free at a State vaccination centre.”

Matter has been listed for hearing on June 30th.

Case Title: In Re Distribution of Essential supplies and Services During the Pandemic | SMW (C) 3 of 2021