SC refuses to entertain PIL raising concerns over HPV vaccination campaign

The injection provides protection against HPV types 16 and 18, which are responsible for cervical cancer, as well as types 6 and 11. | Photo credit: Getty Images/istockphoto

The Supreme Court on Thursday declined to hear a lawsuit raising concerns over a nationwide human papillomavirus (HPV) vaccination campaign for teenage girls to prevent cervical cancer.

A bench of Chief Justice of India (CJI) Surya Kant and Justices Joymalya Bagchi and V. Mohana said that whenever there is wrongful vaccination, the normal rules for compensation will apply.

The Supreme Court heard a lawsuit filed by the Universal Health Organization challenging the way a government-sponsored HPV vaccination program is being implemented. The cause of action alleged that it violated constitutional guarantees of informed consent, bodily autonomy, transparency, and accountability.

“Don’t ask us to make harsh observations. If the petitioner members are doctors, it is a very serious issue. It is a matter of health of millions of our daughters,” Chief Justice Kant addressed the counsel for the petitioner.

The lawyer said he only pointed out the lack of an adverse effect mechanism and compensation scheme and nothing about the HPV vaccine as such. He was allowed to withdraw the petition.

Published – 10 Sep 2026 12:47 IST