"This Sends Out A Wrong Message" – Bombay High Court On Home Vaccination Facility Of Political Leader In Maharashtra

"Whatever happened, happened. But if we find any report that any political leader is taking a jab at home in the future, we will see to it. If everyone can get vaccinated at centres, including the Prime Minister, then why not political leaders in Maharashtra?" CJ Datta remarked.

"Even the President of India went to the Hospital. If they can go, why can't everyone go? This sends out a wrong message," Justice Kulkarni added.

The Court was hearing a PIL filed by advocates Dhruti Kapadia and Kunal Tiwari seeking a direction to the Centre and the Maharashtra government to provide door-to-door vaccination facility for senior citizens above the age of 75, for specially-abled persons, and also for those persons who are bed-ridden or wheelchair-bound.

On Wedneday CJ Datta mentioned that the BMC Chief Iqbal Chahal had cited the requirement of an attached ICU for vaccination, in a meeting with the HC's administrative committee. The Court then asked the centre to inform the court if there is a policy on door-to-door vaccination.

During the hearing on Friday, advocate Dhruti Kapadia mentioned that door-to-door vaccination for citizens above 45-years should be possible as the Centre recently announced vaccination at private and public workplaces, starting April 11.

She also said that according to news reports, people in Mumbai have been vaccinated at home, which means the ICU facility as claimed by the State is not required.

The Chief Justice then asked the State, "How is it that important political leaders are getting the vaccine at home if there is no door-to-door policy?" adding that there has to be a uniform policy.

The CJ said it is not an adversarial litigation and the petitioners would anyway need to wait for a week as the state seems to be running out of its vaccine stock, as per news reports. "That is another concern."

The HC then directed the Central government to file a short affidavit, responding to the PIL and adjourned the matter. "There has to be something for the senior citizens and a simplified online procedure," the Court said.