Supreme Court Wants Answers From Union Government On Vaccine Procurement

Supreme Court on June 2 evening directed the centre to submit a report comparing domestic & international prices of Covid-19 vaccines currently available in India. It also directed the centre to submit a number of documents, including a complete "purchase history of vaccines". The bench comprised of Justices DY Chandrachud, LN Rao & S Ravindra Bhat. The bench also questioned the centre on the "digital divide" - a reference to concerns that requiring people to register on CoWIN would hamper vaccination efforts in rural areas, where access to the internet is unreliable. Centre has also been asked to "place on record a roadmap of projected availability of vaccines till December 31, 2021.” The court will take up the case again on June 30. SC also said that the  Centre's policy of giving free vaccination to the 45-plus age group in the first two phases of vaccination & having a paid system for those below, is "prima facie arbitrary and irrational.” Watch the video to know more.