Lekha G –
The Kerala High Court sought the Central Government’s response regarding the incorporation of vital details on the vaccination certificate and steps taken to obtain approval from the World Health Organisation for Covaxin.
The Division Bench of Chief Justice S Manikumar and Justice Shaji P Chaly was hearing a PIL filed by the petitioner Rahim Pattarkadavan stating the technical difficulties faced by Non-Resident Indians (NRIs) to travel abroad due to strict travel restrictions.
The Court while hearing the matter earlier had stated, “We are of the view that the request as above requires meritorious consideration by the Central Government. Such inputs in the certificate issued in India may be necessary for authorities in foreign countries to rely on the credibility of such certificate,” and asked the Centre to file its response in this matter within three weeks.
The petitioner had also prayed to include the complete name of the Covishield vaccine and passport number in the vaccination certificate.
Further, it was also pleaded to ensure Covaxin gets universal recognition and a second dose of vaccine to be provided on a priority basis to expatriates who had to travel abroad on the basis of work.
During today’s hearing, Advocate Haris Beeran representing the petitioner informed that the State Government had already taken steps to provide a second dose of vaccine on a priority basis to expatriates.
Further, the Court asked counsel for the Central Government to inform them regarding the steps taken pertaining to other matters in the prayer of the petitioner and the status of the Court’s order dated 2nd June 2021.
The case to be further heard on 6th July 2021.