SC seeks data on government's inoculation drive

Acting on a suo moto case, the Supreme Court has directed the Central Government to provide detailed information regarding the vaccination status of the country.

New Delhi: The Supreme Court has directed the Central Government on May 31 to furnish detailed information regarding the percentage of population inoculated as against eligible person in the first three phases of the vaccination drive. The apex court has also sought details of the Government's plan to vaccinate the rest of the population.

The SC also suggested to the Centre to amend the vaccine policy as per the fluctuating situation. The Centre was asked to submit all relevant documents and file notings within two weeks, "reflecting its thinking culminating in the vaccination policy are also annexed on the vaccination policy".

The bench comprising of Justice DY Chandrachud, Justice L Nageswara Rao and Justice Ravindra Bhat passed the orders on a suo moto case on distribution of essential supplies and services during the pandemic.

The apex court enlisted various issues like the price of Covid vaccine, oxygen supply and ordered the Centre to file a reply on each issue and ensure that "no issue is missed out."

Regarding the purchase of vaccine, the SC sought details of vaccine purchase including date of purchase, orders placed for Covishield, Covaxin, Sputnik V, quantity ordered on each date and projected date of supply. In addition, information regarding the availability of drug for mucormycosis was also sought by the SC.

The Centre had earlier told the top court on May 9 that it wanted all states and Union Territories to provide free vaccination to its population. The matter will be heard again on June 30.