No restrictions on unvaccinated individuals; no one can be forced to take jab: Supreme Court

The Supreme Court on Monday said that no person can be forced to get vaccinated against COVID-19 and directed the Central government to make public adverse effects of vaccination.

A bench of Justices L Nageswara Rao and BR Gavai said bodily autonomy and integrity are protected under Article 21 of the Constitution. The top court said the current COVID-19 vaccine policy cannot be said to be manifestly arbitrary and unreasonable.

"Till numbers are low, we suggest that relevant orders are followed and no restriction is imposed on unvaccinated individuals on access to public areas or recall the same if already not done," the bench said.