Need for a New Legal Framework for Pandemic like Covid-19

Abstract

The major piece of legislation existing in India to fight this Covid-19 pandemic is the Epidemic Diseases Act of 1897 which was a draconian British law. It is supplemented with the provisions of the Indian Penal Code, Disaster Management Act etc. The different countries of the world came up with legislation to confront the challenge. No one can be faulted for it as this is the first real pandemic we are fighting as an independent nation. However, India now urgently needs a progressive, comprehensive, humane and all-encompassing law that propagates a federal and decentralised structure to fight global pandemics or localised outbreaks which seem a certainty with Global Warming taking full effect of the planet’s weather and therefore our lives. This law should focus on Centre-State relationship and responsibilities, Decentralisation of Power till Gram Panchayats for effective management. It should focus on all sorts of class and sections like migrant labours, street vendors, homeless, beggars, small businesses, allied businesses, media, industry, agriculture, etc. It should have clear economic policies for all sectors. It should have clear mandates for both Centre and States in terms of medical and allied services capacity building, lockdown procedures, relaxation procedures, social behaviourial changes required, etc.