Madras High Court Asks State To Consider Priority Vaccination For Transgender Persons, Citizens Required To Undertake International Travel

In the suo moto Covid-19 case, one of the intervenors suggested that for students who wish to study abroad and for residents abroad who had come on short visits, or others who need to undertake international travel, both the State and the Centre should consider vaccinating such persons on a priority basis and some norms in such regard should be put in place.

"It is hoped that both the Centre and the State will look into such aspect so that the aspirations and convenience of a number of citizens or non-residents can be taken care of," a Division Bench of Chief Justice Sanjib Banerjee and Justice Senthilkumar Ramamoorthy then said.

It may be noted that similar petitions have also been filed before the High Courts of Delhi and Kerala.

It also recorded that in the vaccination certificate, passport numbers may be recorded, whenever such a request is made by the relevant individual. "With several countries now opening up and allowing international travellers from India, this aspect of the matter gains even more significance," it observed.

In another writ petition filed by Grace Banu for conducting special vaccination drivers for transgender persons in Tamil Nadu by assisting them to register online, the Bench said,

"Considering the vulnerability of such persons, it is hoped that the State will consider vaccinating transgenders on a priority basis, particularly since the number of transgenders may not be many."

Significantly, the Petitioner had also urged the Court to issue directions for conducting awareness programmes for Transgender Persons in the State of Tamil Nadu regarding Covid-19 Vaccination, especially to clarify and assure them on the safety of vaccines for those who are undergoing hormone therapy and other treatment. The matter is kept for consideration on June 14. 

In a petition filed by one M. Karpagam, pertaining to special facilities for vaccination of homebound persons, persons with disabilities and those in hospitals, nursing homes, or otherwise unable to attend vaccination centres, the Bench said,

"There are several sections of citizens who require special attention, not the least of them being the classes indicated by the petitioner and even inmates at correctional homes…a more detailed study requires to be conducted as to the initiatives to be taken to deal with the vulnerable classes referred to by the petitioner."

COVID19: Madras High Court Directs State To Indicate Plan Of Action For Vaccination Of Bed Ridden, Physically Disabled

It has therefore directed the State to indicate a "road-map" for vaccination of above-mentioned category of persons.

Additionally, the Bench recoded its satisfaction as to the availability of medical resources and overall Covid-19 management in the State. It however urged the State to deal with various reports of overcharging at private medical facilities.

"It is hoped that the efforts are kept up to ensure that there has been no profiteering at the expense of distressed citizens," the Bench said while posting both the matters for hearing on June 21.

Click Here To Download Order [Suo-Motu writ petition v. Union of India]

Click Here To Download Order [Grace Banu v. State of Tamil Nadu]

Click Here To Download Order [M. Karpagam v. Commissionerate for the Welfare of Differently Abled & Anr.]