Reopening Of Schools: Kerala High Court Disposes Plea Seeking Vaccination Of Students With Homoeopathic Medicines

The Kerala High Court recently disposed of a Public Interest Litigation seeking immediate administration of homoeopathic medicines for Covid-19 to willing students, taking into account the fact that schools will reopen next month.

A Division Bench comprising Chief Justice S. Manikumar and Justice Shaji P. Chaly upon noting that the State had taken adequate steps in favour of the plea, disposed of the petition recording the submissions made by the State in the matter. 

The order was pronounced in a plea moved by Advocate M.S Vineeth, a lawyer and former Central Government Counsel,  seeking to provide alternate medical protection against Covid-19 for school children by immediately administering homoeopathic prophylactic medicines to them.

The petitioner had moved the Court in light of the recent announcement by the government regarding the reopening of schools in November, although no decision had been taken till date to vaccinate those under the age of 18 years against Covid-19.

Senior Government Pleader V. Manu had submitted in one of the previous hearings that upon the recommendation of the Homoeopathic Department, the State government had taken a decision to provide Homoeopathic prophylactic medicines.

Accordingly, it was informed that a Government Order dated 11.10.2021 was issued to this effect, and with a further submission that although a decision has been taken in principle, logistics were yet to be worked out.

On the day of the last hearing, he had produced a statement summarising the steps taken by the State to provide Homoeopathic prophylactic medicines against Covid-19 to school children.

The details set out in the statement indicated the establishment of medicine distribution Centres, the Homoeopathic Immune Booster (HIB) portal registration, Medicine distribution, HIB portal Registration Campaign and Helpline numbers.

However, it was emphasised that the administration of Homoeopathic prophylactic medicines would be done only with the consent of parents/guardians of the wards.

Advocate V.T. Madhavanunni appearing for the petitioner expressed his satisfaction with the steps taken by the State and submitted that the government had considered his prayers and that they were answered. 

As such, recording the submissions of the State in the matter, the petition was disposed of.  

Case Title: Adv. M.S. Vineeth v. State of Kerala & Ors.

Click Here To Read/Download The Order