Karnataka promulgates ordinance to punish those creating trouble during epidemics
Bengaluru: An ordinance making acts of non-cooperation during epidemics punishable with a maximum jail term of three years and providing for attachment of properties for damage to assets was promulgated in Karnataka on Wednesday, arming the government in its fight against COVID-19 in the backdrop of attacks on healthcare personnel.
The Karnataka Epidemic Disease Ordinance, cleared by the state cabinet on Monday, was promulgated in the backdrop of attacks on healthcare personnel in the state, including the recent incident in a city area where ASHA health workers and police personnel were thrashed when they went to quarantine contacts of a COVID-19 case.
It also came on a day when the Union Cabinet approved a similar measure making such acts non-bailable offence with maximum punishment of seven years and Rs five lakh fine.
According to the state ordinance, anyone convicted for obstructing any officer or public servant from discharging their duties during any epidemic can be imprisoned for up to three years and a maximum fine of Rs 50,000 can be imposed.
Also fixing identical jail term and fine for causing damage to public or private property in any area when regulations are in force to contain any epidemic disease, the ordinance provides for double the value of the damage as fine and in default attachment of properties of the convicts.
Promulgated by the state Governor, the ordinance is to consolidate the laws relating to the regulation and prevention of epidemic diseases in the state.
Under the ordinance, when there is an outbreak of any epidemic disease, to prevent it's spread the government may take measures, including sealing of borders, restrictions on transport and quarantining people, and empower Deputy Commissioner and Municipal Commissioners to exercise powers specified.
According to the ordinance, whoever abets any offence under this ordinance shall be punishable with imprisonment for a term which may extend to two years or with fine which may extend to ten thousand rupees or with both.
All offences under this ordinance shall be cognizable and bailable.
If an offence under this Ordinance has been committed by a company and it is proved that the offence has been committed with the consent or connivance of or is attributable to any neglect on the part of any of its official, he or she shall also be deemed to be guilty of that offence and shall be liable to be proceeded against and punished accordingly.
On Sunday, health workers and police were attacked in minority-dominated Padarayanapura when they went there to quarantine contacts of a COVID-19 patient.
A total of 119 people have been arrested in connection with the incident, which drew condemnation from various quarters, including Chief Minister B S Yediyurappa.
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Rickelton's ton in vain as SRH beat MI by 6 wickets
Mumbai (PTI): Ryan Rickelton's whirlwind unbeaten ton was overshadowed by Heinrich Klaasen's unbeaten 65 as Sunrisers Hyderabad defeated Mumbai Indians by six wickets in an IPL match here on Wednesday.
Chasing an imposing 244-run target, Travis Head (76 off 30) and Abhishek Sharma (45 off 24) shared 129 runs for the opening wicket to set the platform for SRH.
Klaasen (65 not out off 30 balls) then displayed his all-round hitting abilities to guide SRH home with the help of Nitish Kumar Reddy (21) and Salil Arora (30 not out off 10) in 18.4 overs.
Earlier, Rickelton's knock powered MI to 243 for five.
MI rode on a 93-run stand between Rickelton (123 not out off 55 balls) and Will Jacks (46 off 22) in 7.1 overs for the opening stand to power the side.
MI skipper Hardik Pandya scored a valuable 31 off 15 balls before being dismissed.
Praful Hinge (2/54), Eshan Malinga (1/29), Sakib Hasan (1/39) and Nitish Kumar Reddy (1/31) were the wicket-takers for SRH.
Brief Scores:
Mumbai Indian: 243 for 5 in 20 overs (Ryan Rickelton 123 not out; Praful Hinge 2/54).
Sunrisers Hyderabad: 249 for 4 in 18.4 overs (Travis Head 76, Heinrich Klaasen 65 not out; AM Ghazanfar 2/51).
