Gauhati HC slams Mizoram govt on new SOPs restricting unvaccinated people

GUWAHATI: The Gauhati High Court has slammed the Mizoram Government regarding their new COVID-19 standard operating procedures (SOPs) issued last week, where the government is restricting the movement of unvaccinated persons of the state, and observed it as unconstitutional and arbitrary.

A division Aizawl bench of the Gauhati High Court comprising Justice Michael Zothankhum and Justice Nelson Sailo had made the observation that the SOPs released by the Mizoram Government violated the provision of Article 14, 19 and 21 of the Indian Constitution.

“The state is accordingly directed to issue a corrigendum of the June 29 SOP at the earliest incorporating the directions,” the high court bench added.

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The continuance of the case to be heard on July 14.

The Mizoram Government SOPs issued under the sign of chief secretary Lalnunmawia Chuaungo have stated that only vaccinated individuals of the family members may be detailed for errands within and around localities having significant Covid-19 active cases.

It also said that only vaccinated persons should be engaged in manning stores, shops or undertaking any works. Store attendants and other employees should be able to produce proof of vaccination also only those drivers and conductors of commercial passenger vehicles who had been vaccinated should be allowed to operate public transport.

As per the affidavit filed by the additional advocate general of Mizoram 519,452 persons (67 per cent of the eligible persons) were administered the first dose of Covishield in the state against the target of 775,106 people.

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