2 yrs jail, `1 lakh fine for violating Covid norms

Odisha has over 50,000 positive cases, 305 casualties

Apparently worried over the unabated surge in Covid-19 cases in the state, much due to non-adherence of social distancing and other precautionary measures by certain sections of the people, the Odisha Government has decided to bring an ordinance to rein in the violators. The ordinance will have provision for stricter punishments for non-compliance of the guidelines laid down for containing the spread of the viral infection.

The state cabinet, which met here on Wednesday evening, decided to ensure strict observance of guidelines for containing the spread of Covid-19.

“The cabinet meeting chaired by Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik decided to enhance the punishment as provided in Section 3 of the Epidemic Diseases Act, 1897 to imprisonment for a term which may extend to two years or with fine which may extend up to `1 lakh or with both,” Chief Secretary Asit Tripathy said.

As the state Assembly is not in session, it is proposed that necessary amendment to the Act in its application to Odisha may be effected by promulgation of a soon-to-be issued ordinance, the chief secretary said.

Disobedience of Section 3 of the Epidemic Diseases Act, 1897 attracts punishment under Section 188 of the Indian Penal Code. Section 188 of the IPC says that disobedience of an order promulgated by a public servant shall be punished with imprisonment which may extend to six months, or with fine which may extend to `1,000, or with both.

The move to make the punishment for violation of Covid-19 guidelines tougher, according to the state government, assumes significance in view of the fact that the Coronavirus case load in the state has touched 50,672 and the death has climbed to 305.

For ensuring strict observance of guidelines, the chief secretary said, “It is necessary to enhance the penalty amount as provided in the Epidemic Diseases Act in order to regulate the noncompliance of mask use, spitting at public places, violation of social distancing norms and other matters to bring a sense of higher discipline.”

The state government has already initiated various measures to contain the epidemic and has framed Odisha Covid- 19 Regulations exercising the power conferred under sections 2 and 3 of the Epidemic Diseases Act. toll