On 12th August, 2020, the State Cabinet of Odisha approved the various amendments to the Epidemic Diseases Act, 1897 which will enhance the penalty for violators of the COVID-19 regulations.In Accordance with the Ordinance, non-compliance of regulations will attract Imprisonment for a term, which may be extended to two years or with fine which can be extended upto Rupees One Lakh or with both.
- The provision to levy punishments has been provided in the Section 3 of the Epidemic Diseases Act, 1897.The Odisha Government has framed Odisha COVID-19 Regulations, 2020 and has exercised the powers conferred under section 2 and 3 of the Epidemic Diseases Act, 1897.
Note – An Ordinance has been promulgated since the state assembly is not in session.
Key Points:
i.The move to make punishment for violation of COVID-19 guidelines was significant as the number of patients affected by CoronaVirus in the state touched 50,672 and death toll touched 305.
ii.The ordinance will take into consideration the non-compliance of regulations like mask use, spitting at public places, violation of social distancing norms.
About Epidemic Diseases Act, 1897:
i.Epidemic Diseases Act, 1897 is a law which was enacted in 1987 to tackle the bubonic plague in Mumbai, in former British India.
ii.The law is meant for containment of epidemic by granting special powers which are required for implementation of measures to control the spread of disease.
iii.The Act has been used to contain various diseases in India such as swine flu, cholera, malaria, dengue and currently Coronavirus.
Recent Related News:
i.Union Cabinet has approved “The Epidemic Diseases (Amendment) Ordinance, 2020” to protect healthcare service personnel including their living/working premises against violence during epidemics. It will amend the Epidemic Diseases Act, 1897 by making acts of violence against healthcare workers as cognizable and non-bailable offences.
ii.On June 26, 2020, the President of India, Shri Ram Nath Kovind has promulgated the Banking Regulation (Amendment) Ordinance, 2020 which will amend section 45, and 56 of Banking Regulation Act, 1949
About Odisha:
Chief Minister – Naveen Patnaik
Governor – Ganeshi Lal
Capital – Bhubaneswar
UNESCO Heritage Sites in Odisha – Bhitarkanika Conservation Area, Sun Temple (Konark), Chilika Lake, Ekamra Kshetra.
