New Delhi, India — March 10, 2026
India’s Supreme Court has directed the central government to formulate a “no-fault compensation policy” for individuals who suffer serious adverse effects after receiving a COVID-19 vaccine.
During a hearing on Tuesday, the court stated that a structured compensation mechanism should be introduced so that individuals who experience severe harm following vaccination can receive financial relief without having to prove negligence.
Court Suggests Policy but Keeps Existing Monitoring System
The order was delivered by a bench comprising Justice Vikram Nath and Justice Sandeep Mehta.
The court clarified that the existing system for monitoring adverse events following immunization (AEFI) will continue and that there is currently no need to establish a new expert panel appointed by the court.
According to the bench, the government is responsible for designing an appropriate compensation framework that addresses rare but serious vaccine-related health outcomes.
Supreme Court Clarifies Legal Position
While directing the government to consider a compensation mechanism, the court emphasized that introducing a no-fault compensation policy does not imply an admission of liability or wrongdoing by the government.
The judges also noted that individuals who believe they have suffered harm due to vaccination retain the right to pursue other legal remedies available under Indian law.
Petitions Raised Concerns Over Vaccine Side Effects
The court was hearing multiple petitions related to alleged adverse reactions from COVID-19 vaccines.
One of the petitions cited the case of two women who reportedly died in 2021 after receiving the first dose of the Covishield vaccine. The petitioners claimed that both individuals suffered severe complications following vaccination.
The hearing focused on whether the government should establish a formal policy to address such cases and provide relief to affected individuals or families.
Policy Aim: Relief Without Lengthy Legal Battles
Experts say that no-fault compensation programs are used in several countries to provide financial support to individuals who experience rare vaccine-related injuries, without requiring them to prove fault in court.
If implemented, such a policy in India could streamline the process for affected individuals while ensuring continued confidence in public vaccination programs.
Government Expected to Review Framework
Following the Supreme Court’s direction, the central government is expected to review existing policies and consider introducing a structured compensation framework for vaccine-related adverse events.
The decision could mark an important development in India’s public health and legal framework, balancing patient protection with large-scale immunization efforts.
