Doubtful if ‘Right to Refuse’ is applicable to Covid-19 vaccines when a larger public health Interest is involved: Madras High Court. A division bench of Chief Justice Sanjib Banerjee and Justice Senthilkumar Ramamoorthy observed while dealing with a PIL filed by visually impaired lawyer- M. Karpagam, for vaccination of persons who are either homebound to have serious disabilities. “Indeed, vaccinating oneself may not only be to protect oneself but also in the larger interest of public health”, the bench further added, “When such larger interest of public health comes into play and it is possible that a person who has not taken the vaccine may not reveal any symptoms but still be a silent carrier, it is doubtful whether the right to refuse to take the vaccine can be exercised in such circumstances” The court suggested that the government carry out awareness drives regarding efficacy of the vaccines and persuade people to get vaccinated at the earliest. M.Karpagam V. Commissionerate for Welfare of Differently- Abled & Anr. Reddy and Reddy law firm has a team of experienced lawyers dealing with Litigation, Dispute Resolution and Corporate Compliance.