The Odisha Assembly on Wednesday passed the Epidemic Diseases (Amendment) Bill 2020 that envisages a fine upto Rs 1 lakh and imprisonment up to two years or both for anyone violating the Covid guidelines.

Though the Opposition maintained it was too harsh and demanded that the quantum of punishment be reduced, the government said that it was necessary at this point to check the rising number of Covid patients.

The Opposition accused the government of bringing the amendment with the sole purpose of silencing people who were criticising the government for its failure in Covid management.