Rajya Sabha passes Bill to punish those attacking corona warriors

New Delhi: The Upper House of Parliament on Saturday passed a legislation that provides for up to five years in jail for those attacking doctors and other healthcare professionals in their fight against the novel coronavirus or any other similar crisis.

The Union Cabinet had brought into effect The Epidemic Diseases (Amendment) Ordinance 2020 to amend the Epidemic Diseases Act, 1897. This seeks to extend protection to the healthcare service personnel and property, including their living/working premises, against violence during health crises such as the ongoing pandemic.

Union Health Minister Dr. Harsh Vardhan today introduced the Epidemic Diseases (Amendment) Bill, 2020 in the Rajya Sabha to replace the ordinance issued by the Centre in April.

The Bill that was introduced today intends to ensure that there is zero-tolerance to any form of violence against healthcare service personnel and damage to property during a health crisis.

As per the provisions of the Bill, the healthcare service personnel shall include public and clinical healthcare service providers such as doctors, nurses, paramedical workers, and community health workers.

The Bill shall also include under its wing any other persons empowered under the act to take measures to prevent the outbreak and spread of the disease; and any persons declared as such by the concerned state government.

The penal provisions of the Bill can be invoked in instances of damage to property including "a clinical establishment, any facility identified for quarantine and isolation of patients, mobile medical units, and any other property in which the healthcare service personnel have a direct interest in relation to the epidemic."

As per the provisions of the Bill, the offences will be investigated by an officer of the rank of inspector within a period of 30 days. Trial for the same has to be completed in one year, unless extended by the court for reasons to be recorded in writing.

The Bill proposes that the commission or abetment of such acts of violence will be punishable with imprisonment for a term of three months to five years. Additionally, a fine of Rs. 50,000 to Rs. 2,00,000 can be levied.

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