March 10, 2026 : The Supreme Court of India has directed the Union government, through the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare, to develop a no-fault compensation policy for individuals who suffer serious adverse events after receiving COVID-19 vaccines.

In its order, the Court said the proposed framework should allow affected individuals to receive compensation without having to prove negligence or wrongdoing. The direction is intended to address situations where severe medical complications arise following vaccination, while also maintaining public confidence in the national immunisation programme.

The Court clarified that the existing system for monitoring Adverse Events Following Immunization (AEFI) will continue to function. Authorities have also been instructed to periodically place relevant data on such events in the public domain, consistent with observations made earlier in the case involving Jacob Puliyel.

At the same time, the Bench noted that the current scientific and regulatory mechanisms for evaluating vaccine-related adverse events are adequate. In view of this, it declined the request to set up a separate expert body appointed by the Court to examine such cases.

The Court further made it clear that the proposed no-fault compensation framework would not prevent individuals from pursuing other legal remedies available under existing laws. It also emphasised that the formulation of such a policy should not be interpreted as an admission of liability or fault on the part of the Union government or any other authority.

The direction aims to balance broader public health objectives with a mechanism that offers support and relief to individuals who may experience rare but serious complications following vaccination.