PIL In Delhi High Court Challenges HPV Vaccination Drive For Adolescent Girls Over Lack Of Informed Parental Consent; Notice Issued

The Delhi High Court on Wednesday issued notice on a PIL challenging the proposed inclusion of the Human Papillomavirus (HPV) vaccine, Gardasil, in the Universal Immunization Programme (UIP).

The plea alleges that the vaccination programme is being implemented without ensuring informed parental consent and adequate scientific safeguards.

Calling it an important issue, a division bench comprising Chief Justice DK Upadhyaya and Justice Tejas Karia sought response of the Union Government as well as the Indian Council of Medical Research.

The Court asked ASG Chetan Sharma to assist it in the matter and listed the case for hearing on Friday.

Filed by Dr. Sujata Mittal, the plea submits that the programme violates the constitutional rights of adolescent girls, including their rights to bodily autonomy, informed consent and personal liberty under Articles 19 and 21 of the Constitution of India.

According to the petition, the proposed nationwide vaccination drive targets girls around the age of 14 years through schools and public health systems.

The petitioner alleges that vaccinations are being administered without proper informed consent from parents and claim that frontline health workers are assigned enrolment targets, resulting in undue pressure on young girls to receive the vaccine.

The PIL also refers to the case of a 14-year-old girl from Tamil Nadu who allegedly developed severe medical complications after receiving the HPV vaccine in March 2026.

It further cites reports of similar incidents from Gwalior and Bihar, submitting that such instances raise concerns regarding vaccine safety and post-vaccination monitoring.

“It is submitted that HPV is sexually transmitted, and though types 16 and 18 are linked to cervical cancer, most infections resolve on their own. HPV is only one factor among several, poor hygiene, early marriage, multiple pregnancies, multiple partners, smoking, oral contraceptives, weak immunity, and poor nutrition, none of which vaccination addresses,” the plea states.

It adds that the current rollout of the HPV vaccination programme raises serious concerns regarding consent, safety, scientific basis, and public health priorities.

Title: Dr. Sujata Mittal & Anr v. Union of India and Others