Archive · 22 Jul 2026
Delhi HC seeks Centre's response on HPV vaccine plea
The Delhi High Court is looking at a request to reconsider the decision to include HPV vaccines in the national immunization program.
The request, made by Dr. Sujata Mittal, raises concerns about the safety of the vaccine, especially for young girls.
The court has asked the central government and the Indian Council of Medical Research to respond.
The next hearing is on July 29.
The request also asks for better monitoring of any bad reactions to the vaccine and more studies before the program is expanded.
Some people have reported serious health problems after getting the vaccine, which has raised questions about its safety.
The Delhi High Court sought the Centre's response to a PIL challenging the inclusion of HPV vaccines in the Universal Immunisation Programme.
The petitioner, Dr. Sujata Mittal, raised concerns about the vaccine's long-term safety, lack of informed consent, and monitoring of adverse events.
The court issued notices to the central government and the Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR).
The matter is scheduled to be heard next on July 29.
The petition cited incidents of adverse events following HPV vaccination in India and internationally.
- Who
- Delhi High Court, Central Government, Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR), Dr Sujata Mittal
- What
- A PIL seeking a direction to reconsider and review the decision to include HPV vaccines in the Universal Immunisation Programme
- When
- The matter is scheduled to be heard next on July 29
- Where
- Delhi High Court, New Delhi
- Why
- Concerns over the long-term safety of the HPV vaccine, lack of informed consent, and monitoring of adverse events
Petitioner's Concerns
Government's Stance
Safety and Efficacy
Petitioner's Concerns
The petitioner argues that the HPV vaccine has significant safety concerns and uncertain long-term effectiveness, citing adverse events in India and internationally.
Government's Stance
The government has included the HPV vaccine in the Universal Immunisation Programme, implying confidence in its safety and efficacy.
Informed Consent
Petitioner's Concerns
The petitioner claims that the government did not ensure parental informed consent before vaccinating young girls.
Government's Stance
The government's stance on informed consent is not explicitly stated in the articles.
Target Population
Petitioner's Concerns
The petitioner argues that the programme focuses on vaccinating young girls who are at a relatively lower immediate risk of cervical cancer.
Government's Stance
The government's rationale for targeting young girls is not explicitly stated in the articles.
- Court
- Delhi High Court
- Bench
- Chief Justice D K Upadhyaya and Justice Tejas Karia
- Petitioner
- Dr Sujata Mittal
- Respondents
- Central Government and Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR)
- Next Hearing
- July 29
- Vaccine
- HPV vaccine
- Target Population
- Girls aged 14 years
- Number of Girls to be Vaccinated
- Approximately 1.15 crore