SCHOOL TEACHER APPROACHED DELHI HC CHALLENGING NOTIFICATION WHICH MADE VACCINATION COMPULSORY FOR TEACHERS

The Delhi High Court issued notice on a plea by a History school teacher challenging the covid-19 circular, which made vaccination compulsory for teachers and staff of schools. Justice Rekha Palli gave the school four weeks to respond. 

The Court is already hearing a plea by a school (government-aided) challenging an order passed by the Delhi government to make vaccination compulsory for school teachers. Justice Palli will hear both cases on February 3.

The petitioner, Isha, a history teacher at Government Girls Senior Secondary School, Gautampuri, said a circular was issued stating that teachers and staff who were not vaccinated till October 15, 2021, will be treated as leave.  

She argued that she has the right to choose, and there is no data to show that vaccination prevents Coronavirus. She further said that there might be an adverse impact on her body if she takes the vaccine. “People have a choice to get or not to get vaccinated, and it is voluntary, and it is not a crime to not get vaccinated.” 

Advocate Siddharth Krishna Dwivedi, appearing for the State, argued that not getting vaccinated will put the lives of children at risk. Since the petitioner has no comorbidities, she should receive the vaccine.

Justice Rekha Palli refused to provide interim relief to the teacher, and Isha said she would take the vaccine, but it should not prejudice her current petition.

Author: Papiha Ghoshal