Supreme Court Advises Civil Suit Over Writ Petition in Covishield Disability Case

The Supreme Court has advised a petitioner, who allegedly developed 100% lower limb disability after receiving the Covishield vaccine, to pursue a civil suit for damages instead of a writ petition.

The court observed that a writ petition could take years to resolve, while a civil suit might offer quicker relief.

The petition invoked constitutional rights and cited legal doctrines such as parens patriae, absolute liability, and restitution in integrum. 

The petitioner has sought direction against the Union Government and the Serum Institute of India for medical cover, reimbursement of expenses, and compensation for the disability caused by the vaccine. (Praveen Kumar v. Union of India & Ors.)