Centre’s Covid-19 vaccination scheme created two classes of citizens: Kerala High Court

People visit a crowded Sadar Bazar to shop ahead of Diwali, in New Delhi, on Tuesday. Pic/PTI

The Kerala High Court on Tuesday said the Centre's vaccination scheme has created two classes of citizens in India - those who got Covaxin, whose movements are restricted, and those who received Covishield and can go anywhere. The observation by Justice P V Kunhikrishnan came during the hearing of a man's plea for a third shot of an internationally recognised vaccine so that he can go abroad for work.

The man, who was working as a welder in Saudi Arabia, moved the HC as Covaxin is not recognised or approved in the Gulf nation and therefore, he stands to lose his job there, as he cannot travel without being vaccinated by an internationally recognised vaccine.

The court said the creation of two classes of citizens has resulted in "infringement of the fundamental right of movement of the petitioner". "His movement is restricted. A citizen is suffering due to a state-sponsored vaccination scheme. It is a clear case of infringement of the fundamental rights of the petitioner," it observed. The judge listed the matter on November 5 to await the Centre's response on the view expressed by the judge.

3,42,96,237
Total no. of Coronavirus cases in India so far

4,58,880
Total no. of deaths due to the virus in India so far

1,53,776
Total no. of active cases in India

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