Odisha To Enhance Punishment For Violation Of COVID-19 Norms

Bhubaneswar: The Odisha government will soon introduce an ordinance to enhance the punishment for violation of COVID-19 guidelines.

The state cabinet approved a proposal in this regard on Wednesday.

Following the cabinet meeting, Chief Secretary Asit Kumar Tripathy informed, “To enhance the punishment as provided under Section 3 of the Epidemic Diseases Act, 1897, the imprisonment term may extend to two years or with fine which may extend up to Rs 1 lakh or both.”

Tripathy also said that as the Assembly is not in session, it is proposed that the necessary amendment to the Act may be effected by the promulgation of an ordinance under Article 213 of the Constitution.