Dimapur, April 28 (EMN): The third ‘DOT Talks Webinar Series’ on the topic ‘Legal implications of Covid-19’ was held on April 28 with assistant professor of Political Science of Tetso College, Dr. Aniruddha Babar, as the resource person.
The former assistant professor of law and founding member of People’s Law Centre, Mumbai, started his presentation by examining the fundamental nature of the Covid-19 pandemic and its social impact. He spoke on important issues pertaining to various strategies developed by the Government of India to tackle the pandemic and also engaged the participants in debate on the challenges involved in implementing various strategic responses to Covid-19.
While dealing with the technical aspects, Dr. Aniruddha gave detailed legal interpretation on Section 188, 269, 270 and 271 of the Indian Penal Code and also on Section 133 and 144 of the Criminal Procedure Code. Besides, he also enlightened the participants on various relevant provisions of Epidemic Disease Act, Disaster Management Act, Constitution of India, Essential Services Maintenance Act, Nagaland Epidemic Disease (Covid-19) Regulations 2020 and Essential Commodities Act.
Responding to queries from the participants on ‘Right to Privacy’ in the context of Covid-19 during question round, he said, “In reference to Right to Privacy, it was held by the Supreme Court that the right to privacy is a part of the right to protection of life and personal liberty.”
He further substantiated his statement by citing the case of K Puttaswamy versus Union of India wherein the court observed that, “…release of personal data has become a privacy concern and has been stated as a gross violation of the legitimate expectation of privacy — a fundamental right.”
Dr. Aniruddha added that the medical data of a person cannot be released in the public domain as it violates her/his fundamental right to privacy and confidentiality.
The resource persons further emphasised on the need for citizens to familiarise themselves with the law of the land stating that, “Ignorance of law can neither be an excuse nor a valid defense in the court of law.’ Dr. Aniruddha concluded his talk with a hope that people would not take law into their hands but educate themselves and support the government to fight with Covid-19 with full strength and determination.
