SC directs Centre to revisit current vaccine policy, says it creates disparity
The Hindu
Discrimination cannot be made between different classes of citizens who are similarly circumstanced, the Bench said.
The Supreme Court has directed the Centre to revisit its COVID-19 vaccine pricing policy, saying it would prima facie result in a detriment to the right to public health. A Bench headed by Justice D.Y. Chandrachud said, as of date, the manufacturers have suggested two different prices, a lower price which is applicable to the Centre and a higher price which is applicable to the quantities purchased by State governments. The apex court said compelling State governments to negotiate with manufacturers on grounds of promoting competition and making it attractive for new vaccine manufacturers will result in serious detriment to those in the age group of 18 to 44 years, who will be vaccinated by State governments.The election authorities are gearing up for the counting of votes cast in the simultaneous elections to Lok Sabha and Assembly seats in Andhra Pradesh, scheduled to be held on June 4. The Collectors and Election Officers of Visakhapatnam, Anakapalli and Alluri Sitharama Raju (ASR) districts said on May 23 (Thursday) that their teams were ready for the counting of votes.
Responding to the prolonged water scarcity, the residents of the area took to the streets in protest on Wednesday. The protest, which drew attention to their plight, stopped only after the intervention of the police. It was not until 1.30 p.m. that a 4000-litre tanker was finally delivered by BWSSB, providing relief to the water-starved residents.