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Rachel V Thomas

HPV Vaccination: India Crosses 80 Lakh Doses As SC Dismisses PIL

More than 80 lakh girls have been vaccinated in India, marking another milestone in strengthening preventive healthcare and advancing protection against <span>HPV</span> infection and HPV-associated cancers, the Health Ministry said today.

Prime Minister <span>Narendra Modi</span> launched the nationwide vaccination campaign for 14-year-old girls from Rajasthan's Ajmer as part of India's efforts to eliminate cervical cancer in February this year.

“With every vaccination, India takes another step towards a healthier, cancer-free future for its daughters,” the Ministry said in a post on X.

<h2>Supreme Court Hears PIL Against HPV Vaccine Program</h2>

Meanwhile, the Supreme Court of India has dismissed a Public Interest Litigation (PIL) challenging the proposed administration of the HPV vaccine to adolescent girls.

The petition by Universal Health Organisation (UHO) — a Delhi-based forum of doctors and academics — alleged that the exercise was being carried out “without adequate informed parental consent”, 

It also raised concerns about potential adverse effects, the manner in which the program was being implemented, monitoring of adverse events and the absence of a compensation mechanism. The petitioner also claimed that the vaccine could affect fertility.

Pointing out that the WHO itself has recommended the vaccination programme, a three-judge bench presided over by CJI <span>Surya Kant</span> expressed strong disapproval of the PIL. The bench also cautioned against making claims about vaccines without adequate scientific research, observing that such assertions could undermine or derail a public health program.

The petition was thereafter withdrawn, Live Law reported.

"WHO prescribes [HPV] vaccine for women. After that, I don't think doctors should come up with a petition. Wherever there's a case of incorrect vaccination, ordinary rules of compensation will apply. No special treatment for adverse impact in case of a particular vaccine," the bench said.

While the petitioners clarified that the PIL was not intended to oppose vaccination, they said their concerns were primarily about the implementation of the program, particularly the monitoring of adverse events and the absence of a compensation mechanism.

“I am not at all anti-vaccine,” counsel submitted, adding that adverse events following vaccination should be properly monitored and that there should be a mechanism to compensate affected individuals.

The CJI said the matter concerned the health of millions.

"Don't ask us to make harsh observations. If petitioner members are doctors, it's a very very serious issue. It's a question of health of millions of our daughters. And you want to derail this?" the CJI observed.

In July 2026, a Public Interest Litigation was filed in the Delhi High Court challenging the rollout of Merck's <span>Gardasil</span>-4 vaccine by gynecologist Dr. Sujata Mittal and health entrepreneur Jitendra Chouksey, who challenged the nationwide rollout of Merck's Gardasil vaccine.

The High Court refused to stay the vaccination drive but issued notices to the Centre, ICMR and CDSCO, seeking detailed replies regarding safety protocols and consent procedures within four weeks.

Following the High Court's refusal to halt the drive, the UHO filed a fresh, independent PIL directly before the Supreme Court under Article 32 of the Constitution.

The organization sought an immediate suspension of the school-based vaccination component. 

The national program uses Gardasil, a quadrivalent HPV vaccine that protects against HPV types 16 and 18, which are responsible for most cervical cancers, as well as types 6 and 11, which cause genital warts.

According to the government, Gardasil has been licensed for use in India since 2008. The nationwide rollout follows recommendations from the World Health Organization (WHO) and approvals by the National Technical Advisory Group on Immunization (NTAGI).

Human papillomavirus (HPV) is the most common sexually transmitted infection worldwide. While many infections clear on their own, persistent infection with high-risk HPV strains can lead to cervical, anal, throat and penile cancers.

HPV vaccination is widely recommended to help prevent cervical cancer, particularly when administered before exposure to the virus.

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More than 80 lakh girls have been vaccinated in India, marking another milestone in strengthening preventive healthcare and advancing protection against HPV infection and HPV-associated cancers, the Health Ministry said today.Prime Minister Narendra Modi launched the nationwide vaccination campaign for 14-year-old girls from Rajasthan's Ajmer as part of India's efforts to eliminate cervical cancer in February this year.“With every vaccination, India takes another step towards a healthier, cancer-free future for its daughters,” the Ministry said in a post on X.Supreme Court Hears PIL Against HPV Vaccine ProgramMeanwhile, the Supreme Court of India has dismissed a Public Interest Litigation (PIL) challenging the proposed administration of the HPV vaccine to adolescent girls.The petition by Universal Health Organisation (UHO) — a Delhi-based forum of doctors and academics — alleged that the exercise was being carried out “without adequate informed parental consent”, It also raised concerns about potential adverse effects, the manner in which the program was being implemented, monitoring of adverse events and the absence of a compensation mechanism. The petitioner also claimed that the vaccine could affect fertility.Pointing out that the WHO itself has recommended the vaccination programme, a three-judge bench presided over by CJI Surya Kant expressed strong disapproval of the PIL. The bench also cautioned against making claims about vaccines without adequate scientific research, observing that such assertions could undermine or derail a public health program.The petition was thereafter withdrawn, Live Law reported."WHO prescribes [HPV] vaccine for women. After that, I don't think doctors should come up with a petition. Wherever there's a case of incorrect vaccination, ordinary rules of compensation will apply. No special treatment for adverse impact in case of a particular vaccine," the bench said.While the petitioners clarified that the PIL was not intended to oppose vaccination, they said their concerns were primarily about the implementation of the program, particularly the monitoring of adverse events and the absence of a compensation mechanism.“I am not at all anti-vaccine,” counsel submitted, adding that adverse events following vaccination should be properly monitored and that there should be a mechanism to compensate affected individuals.The CJI said the matter concerned the health of millions."Don't ask us to make harsh observations. If petitioner members are doctors, it's a very very serious issue. It's a question of health of millions of our daughters. And you want to derail this?" the CJI observed. Petition in Delhi High CourtIn July 2026, a Public Interest Litigation was filed in the Delhi High Court challenging the rollout of Merck's Gardasil-4 vaccine by gynecologist Dr. Sujata Mittal and health entrepreneur Jitendra Chouksey, who challenged the nationwide rollout of Merck's Gardasil vaccine.The High Court refused to stay the vaccination drive but issued notices to the Centre, ICMR and CDSCO, seeking detailed replies regarding safety protocols and consent procedures within four weeks.Following the High Court's refusal to halt the drive, the UHO filed a fresh, independent PIL directly before the Supreme Court under Article 32 of the Constitution.The organization sought an immediate suspension of the school-based vaccination component. Why HPV Vaccination MattersThe national program uses Gardasil, a quadrivalent HPV vaccine that protects against HPV types 16 and 18, which are responsible for most cervical cancers, as well as types 6 and 11, which cause genital warts.According to the government, Gardasil has been licensed for use in India since 2008. The nationwide rollout follows recommendations from the World Health Organization (WHO) and approvals by the National Technical Advisory Group on Immunization (NTAGI).Human papillomavirus (HPV) is the most common sexually transmitted infection worldwide. While many infections clear on their own, persistent infection with high-risk HPV strains can lead to cervical, anal, throat and penile cancers.HPV vaccination is widely recommended to help prevent cervical cancer, particularly when administered before exposure to the virus.

hpv vaccination: india crosses 80 lakh doses as sc dismisses pil

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