The Epidemic Diseases Act, 1897
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The Epidemic Diseases Act, 1897
The Epidemic Diseases Act, 1897
The Epidemic Diseases Act, 1897, was invoked in India to execute lockdown to defend the Covid 19.
This colonial Act was enacted by the British, for the first time in the then state of Bombay during the Bubonic Plague.
Under the Act, temporary provisions or regulations can be made to be observed by the public to tackle or prevent the outbreak of a disease.
4 Provisions of the Epidemic Diseases Act, 1897
It describes the title and extent of the Act
It extends to the whole of India.
Section 2: Powers to Take Special Measures
It empowers the state governments to tackle special measures and formulate regulations to contain the outbreak.
Section 2A of the Act empowers the central government to take steps to prevent the spread of an epidemic.
Health is a State subject, but by invoking Section 2 of the Epidemic Diseases Act, advisories and directions of the Ministry of Health & Family Welfare will be
enforceable.
It allows the government to inspect any ship arriving or leaving any port and the power to detain any person intending to sail or arriving in the country.
Section 3: Penalty for Disobedience
The penalties for disobeying any regulation or order made under the Act are according to section 188 of the Indian Penal Code (disobedience to order duly
promulgated by a public servant).
Under Section 188 of the IPC a punishment of 1 moth to 6 months imprisonment and fine can be charged
Section 4: Legal Protection to Implementing Officers
It gives legal protection to the implementing officers acting under the Act.
It gives legal protection to the implementing officers acting under the Act.