Ordinance To Amend The Epidemic Diseases Act, 1897

Amid several reports of attacks on healthcare personnel engaged in treating and tracking Covid-19 cases across the country, the Union Govt. has come out with an Ordinance making acts of violence against doctors and frontline personnel a cognisable and non-bailable offence punishable with prison terms from six months to seven years and a fine of up to Rs 5 lakh.
The ordinance provides for making such acts of violence cognizable and non-bailable offences and for compensation for injury to health care service personnel. Violence as defined in the ordinance will include harassment and physical injury and damage to property.
The Ordinance amends the Epidemic Diseases Act, 1897.
In case of damage of property or assets, violators would also have to pay as compensation double the market price.