Delhi HC declines to stay HPV vaccination drive, seeks Centre’s reply
The court was hearing a public interest litigation seeking a review of the decision to introduce the HPV vaccine, raising concerns over its long-term safety, lack of informed consent, and monitoring of adverse events
On July 29, 2026, the Delhi High Court declined to halt the Government of India's ongoing Human Papillomavirus (HPV) vaccination drive, despite concerns raised in a public interest litigation (PIL) regarding its long-term safety and informed consent. The court noted that data submitted by the Centre indicated no immediate harm from the vaccine, administering 5.5 million doses to 14-year-old girls since February 28.
The court emphasized the need to follow protocols and not to administer "half-baked vaccines." Additional Solicitor General Chetan Sharma informed the court that the vaccine is not part of the Universal Immunisation Programme and that 120 adverse event reports have been filed, with only 42 involving "slightly aggravated" symptoms, and no deaths reported.
The court directed the Centre, CDSCO, and ICMR to file separate replies within four weeks, stating that it would examine the petitioners' challenge but found no reason to stop the administration at this stage.
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