Delhi HC Terms HPV Vaccine Safety Case ‘Very Serious’, Demands Government Reply
Delhi HC seeks Centre response on HPV rollout
The Delhi High Court has sought a response from the Centre on a petition challenging the nationwide rollout of the human papillomavirus (HPV) vaccine under the Universal Immunisation Programme. The court was hearing a public interest litigation (PIL) that raised concerns over the vaccine’s long-term safety, informed consent procedures and monitoring of possible adverse events. A bench comprising Chief Justice DK Upadhyaya and Justice Tejas Karia issued notice to the central government while hearing the plea, observing that the matter involved a “very serious” issue concerning public health.
The court sought the Centre’s response on whether including HPV vaccines in the government’s immunisation programme was an appropriate decision. The PIL challenged the nationwide rollout of US pharmaceutical company Merck’s Gardasil-4 vaccine, which is available for administration free of cost at government health facilities across India. The petitioners questioned aspects related to vaccine safety, transparency and the mechanisms in place to track and respond to adverse reactions.
The petition argued that individuals receiving the vaccine and their families should have access to adequate information before vaccination. It raised concerns regarding informed consent and claimed that long-term safety data and post-vaccination monitoring required greater scrutiny before expanding the programme. The HPV vaccine is designed to protect against infections caused by human papillomavirus, which is associated with cervical cancer and other HPV-related diseases.
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Health authorities globally recommend HPV vaccination as an important preventive measure, particularly among adolescents, to reduce the risk of cervical cancer. The Centre has previously supported HPV vaccination as part of efforts to strengthen cancer prevention initiatives in the country. Government health programmes have focused on increasing access to preventive healthcare, especially for diseases that can be reduced through early vaccination and awareness.
During the hearing, the Delhi High Court did not issue any stay on the vaccination programme but sought a response from the government on the concerns raised in the petition. The matter will be considered further after the Centre submits its reply. The case brings attention to the broader debate around vaccine policies, public health decisions and the balance between expanding access to preventive healthcare and ensuring adequate safety oversight. The court’s proceedings will continue to examine the issues raised by the petitioners and the government’s position on the HPV vaccine rollout.
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