Delhi High Court Refuses to Halt HPV Vaccination Drive, Seeks Government's Response Within Four Weeks
The Delhi High Court on Wednesday refused to stay the Centre's ongoing Human Papillomavirus (HPV) vaccination drive, stating that the material presented did not demonstrate any immediate harm from the vaccine. However, the court emphasised that "half-baked vaccines" should not be administered and that all required protocols must be followed.
A bench of Chief Justice D.K. Upadhyaya and Justice Tejas Karia noted that data submitted by the Centre, showing administration of 5.5 million HPV vaccine doses to 14-year-old girls, did not indicate any "instant harm" that would justify stopping the drive.
The court was hearing a public interest litigation (PIL) seeking a review of the decision to introduce the HPV vaccine, citing concerns over long-term safety, lack of informed consent, and monitoring of adverse events.
Additional Solicitor General Chetan Sharma, appearing for the Centre, stated that the HPV vaccination is not part of the Universal Immunisation Programme. He informed the court that as of July 25, about 5.5 million doses had been administered, with 120 reports of adverse events. Of these, only 42 involved "slightly aggravated" symptoms, and no deaths were reported. Mr. Sharma assured that all protocols were followed before introducing the vaccine.
The bench said it would examine the petitioners' challenge to the introduction of the vaccine but found no reason to stop its administration at this stage. It directed the Centre, the Central Drugs Standard Control Organisation (CDSCO), and the Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR) to file separate replies within four weeks.
The court observed: "The justification to introduce the vaccine is one thing, and we will consider... So far as your prayer for instantly stopping the administration of the HPV vaccine is concerned, we are not going to stay that for two reasons. The data which is now being given to us suggests that there is no instant harm. There may not be long-term benefit, but there is no instant harm at the moment. Secondly, the apprehension that it is going to be part of the universal immunisation programme, that is not there. So let them file their reply."
The court added: "As of today, we don't see any reason why the administration of this vaccine should be stopped."
The Centre also clarified that the HPV vaccination programme, launched across states and Union Territories on February 28 for 14-year-old girls, is voluntary and that no vaccine is administered without prior informed consent from parents.
The petition, filed by Dr. Sujata Mittal and Jitendra Chouksey, claimed that internationally, "significant safety concerns" have been raised against the 'Gardasil' HPV vaccine, and incidents raising questions over its safety have been reported in India as well. According to the PIL, a 14-year-old girl from Tamil Nadu was administered the HPV vaccine at a Government Hospital in Kanai on March 30, 2026. It was alleged that within three to four days, she developed severe symptoms including loss of voice, paralysis-like weakness, inability to walk, and blurred vision.
The matter is scheduled for the next hearing on October 29.
