A High Court ruling has potentially set a precedent for future public health mandates in a scenario like COVID-19 and is anticipated to address the balance between individual rights and state authority in crisis situations.
John Samisoni has been allowed to appeal a decision that dismissed his constitutional challenge against the 2021 COVID-19 vaccination regulations.
He refused to take the vaccination and was terminated from Corporate Management Services Pte Limited, trading as The Hot Bread Kitchen.
The ruling, delivered on June 27, 2025, by Justice David Tuiqereqere marks a significant step in addressing the legality of pandemic-era employment mandates.
“The 2021 regulations affected a significant number of people. Whilst the legislation has been repealed, the repeal has not undone the consequences for those whose employment was terminated due to the 2021 regulations,” said Justice Tuiqereqere.
“It is in the public interest to receive clarification from the higher courts on when Parliament and/or Ministers (or other lawmakers) may introduce such legislation in the future.”
Other parties in the case, the Ministers for Employment, Health, and the Attorney-General had opposed the appeal, arguing its low chance of success and questioning Mr Samisoni’s motives.
