Kerala HC Dismisses Plea Seeking Removal Of PM's Photograph From Covid-19 Vaccination Certificate With Cost
📌 Explanation in Detail
1. Background of the Case
During the COVID-19 vaccination drive, vaccination certificates issued by the government included a photograph of the Prime Minister (PM).
A petition was filed in the Kerala High Court seeking removal of the PM’s photograph from the certificate.
The petitioner argued that the inclusion of the PM’s photograph was political and not relevant to the vaccination process.
2. Kerala High Court’s Ruling
The Kerala HC dismissed the plea.
The Court observed:
Vaccination certificates are government-issued documents.
Including a photograph of the PM is neither illegal nor unconstitutional.
It does not affect the validity or authenticity of the certificate.
The Court further imposed costs on the petitioner, indicating that the plea was unjustified and unnecessary.
3. Reasoning Behind the Judgment
Administrative Discretion: The government has the discretion to include certain symbols, logos, or photographs in official documents.
No Legal Injury: The petitioner did not demonstrate any legal harm or violation of fundamental rights.
Public Interest vs. Personal Grievance: The Court emphasized that a personal grievance cannot override administrative decisions in matters of public health.
4. Key Principles from Case Law
State’s Administrative Discretion
Courts have consistently held that administrative decisions in public welfare schemes cannot be interfered with unless they are illegal, arbitrary, or violative of law.
No Fundamental Right Violation
Mere inclusion of a political figure’s photograph in government documents does not violate any fundamental right.
Reference: Similar reasoning seen in cases where government publicity campaigns were challenged but upheld because they were not coercive or mandatory.
Imposition of Costs
Courts impose costs on frivolous or vexatious petitions to discourage misuse of judicial process.
5. Practical Implications
Vaccination certificates will continue to include the PM’s photograph.
Citizens cannot claim legal rights to demand removal unless they can prove a clear violation of law or rights.
Frivolous public interest litigations (PILs) may attract penalties or costs.
📊 Summary Table
| Aspect | Details |
|---|---|
| Court | Kerala High Court |
| Issue | Plea to remove PM’s photograph from COVID-19 vaccination certificate |
| Petitioner’s Claim | Inclusion of PM’s photograph is political and irrelevant |
| High Court Ruling | Plea dismissed; costs imposed on petitioner |
| Reasoning | - Government discretion in administrative matters - No violation of fundamental rights - Petition was frivolous |
| Key Principle | Administrative decisions in public welfare schemes can’t be interfered with unless illegal or arbitrary |
| Impact | PM’s photograph continues on certificates; discourages frivolous petitions |
⚖️ In short: The Kerala HC made it clear that administrative discretion in public documents cannot be challenged lightly, and including the PM’s photograph in vaccination certificates does not violate law or rights.
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