COVID Vaccination policy requires centre’s discretion, and no interference by court In the suo-motu case initiated by the Supreme Court, regarding distribution of essential services and supplies during the pandemic, the Central Government has submitted that its vaccination policy is in conformity with Articles 14 and 21 and thus, requires no interference by the judiciary. It was further submitted that in times of such crisis, the centre needs to exercise discretion in the larger interest, and that its policy should be trusted. These submissions were made in light of the apex court’s observations that the centre’s policy was arbitrary and violative of the right to health, and contrary to Articles 14 and 21. In reply, the State stated that the policy has been made in a scientific manner, in consultation with experts, considering the health and well-being of the citizens, and lastly the classification is made with reasonable nexus and intelligible differentia. The manufacturers’ prices are uniform for all the states, and further, the price factor will have no impact on the ultimate beneficiary- the citizens- as the State Governments have declared their policy to make vaccination available free of cost. Lastly, the centre stated that allowing vaccines to be sold through the private sector will reduce the burden on the states, as those who can afford to pay will go to private hospitals. Reddy & Reddy Law Firm has a forte in handling litigation matters. They have an experienced team of lawyers ready to assist in all your disputes.