The Meghalaya High Court has asked the State government to adopt an aggressive policy in convincing people to take the Covid vaccination and to frame rules that those who refused the vaccine “do not expose themselves to others”.
During hearing of a public interest litigation (PIL) today, the division bench of Chief Justice Sanjib Banerjee and Justice Wanlura Diengdoh said the State government can formulate rules or guidelines so that persons unwilling to take vaccination do not expose themselves to others.
“It appears that there are reservations in certain quarters regarding vaccination. The State should adopt an aggressive policy in undertaking awareness drives and trying to convince people to vaccinate themselves, not only for their own benefit, but also for the protection of others,” the High Court said.
“It will also be open to the State to formulate rules or guidelines so that persons unwilling to take vaccination do not expose themselves to others,” it added.
Seeking a detailed report on the extent of vaccination conducted till the end of November 2021, the court also said the report should be filed at the next hearing on December 16.
“It may serve the State well if the District Councils and other authorities, including the Meghalaya State Legal Services Authority, also undertake a campaign to educate people and convince them to take the vaccination,” the High Court said.
