Maharashtra looks to 1897 Act

The Epidemic Diseases Act was passed in 1897 in wake of the plague in erstwhile Bombay Presidency,which lasted for more than three years and killed thousands.

•How does it work?

The Act helps “provide for the better prevention of the spread of dangerous epidemic diseases”. It can be enforced when the state government is satisfied that any part of the state is “visited by,threatened with,an outbreak of any dangerous epidemic disease”. The government is then empowered to take measures such as notices prescribing temporary regulations to be observed by the public.

•Who has implementation powers?

The collector of the affected region or district is given powers to issue required prohibitory and regulatory orders as decided by the government. The Centre also has powers stipulated in the Act,which are limited to the inspection of any ship or vessel leaving or arriving at any port and detention of people intending to sail from the port of the area.

•In what ways can the act be enforced on the ground?

The government can force suspected individuals to undertake treatment at identified treatment centres. The collector can also ensure that the medication determined by the government for the disease is dispensed and used by the patient/s. The collector can enforce the prohibition of movement and contact between people suspected to be infected with the virus.

The collector can also prohibit public gatherings to prevent infections from spreading. The Act also allows the inspection of people travelling by railway or otherwise,and the segregation of suspected infected persons in hospital or temporary accommodation.