Heavy Fines and Jail terms for attack on Health staff, Modi Govt passes ordinance

Union Minister Prakash Javadekar said the government has promulgated an ordinance to the Epidemic Diseases Act, 1897 to protect medical staff, doctors, Asha workers and all other frontline Covid-19 workers in the wake of the recent incidents of attacks on them. Bythis Central Government has brought an ordinance to end violence against health workers, carries imprisonment from 6 months to 7 years if anyone found guilty. "We will not allow this to happen in this civilised society," he said.

Javadekar said people who attack or discriminate against corona warriors will face strict action, including a jail term ranging from 3-months to five years and a penalty ranging from Rs 50,000 to Rs 2 lakh. In severe cases, the jail term may be extended up to 7 years along with a penalty from Rs 1-5 lakh.

Briefing media persons he said, Health workers who are trying to save the country from this epidemic are unfortunately facing attacks. No incident of violence or harrasamemnt, against them will be tolerated. An ordinance has been brought in, it'll be implemented after President's sanction. He said For this amendment to be made to Epidemic Diseases Act, 1897 and Ordinance will be implemented. Such crime will now be cognizable & non-bailable. Investigation will be done within 30 days. Accused can be sentenced from 3 months-5 yrs & penalised from Rs 50,000 upto Rs 2 Lakh.

In case of grievous injuries, the accused can be sentenced from 6 months to 7 years. They can be penalised from Rs 1 Lakhs to Rs 5 Lakhs. To cover the damage to the property the ordinance also paveway to recover penalty from the accused. He said if damage is done to the vehicles or clinics of healthcare workers, then a compensation amounting to twice the market value of the damaged property will be taken from the accused.