Insulting medicos online? Karnataka govt notifies 3-month jail term or Rs 10,000 fine for violators

Protesters at RG Kar Medical College in Kolkata. (Source: X)

Insulting medical service personnel online in Karnataka now attracts a three-month jail term or a fine of Rs 10,000. The state government issued a notification on August 16, following Governor Thawar Chand Gehlot’s assent to the Karnataka Medical Registration and Certain Other Law (Amendment) Act, 2024, on August 15. The bill was tabled in the assembly last month.

This move follows nationwide protests against the rape and murder of a trainee female doctor at RG Kar Medical College and Hospital in Kolkata on August 9.

Also, read: Kolkata doctor's brutal rape and murder: Reports reveal multiple wounds, bleeding private parts, broken collarbone

According to the Act, 'intentional insult' includes using words, figures, or gestures to insult, humiliate, annoy, or abuse medicare service personnel, either directly or via social media, or through unauthorised recordings or photographs related to their professional duties.

Medicare service institutions encompass all facilities providing treatment for sickness, injury, or infirmity, whether managed by the Centre or state government, local bodies, or private entities such as hospitals, nursing homes, and maternity homes. Employees of these institutions, including security guards, managerial staff, ambulance drivers, and helpers, are covered under the Act.

The Karnataka Prohibition of Violence Against Medicare Service Personnel and Damage to Property in Medicare Service Institutions Act, 2009, prohibits intentional insults to medicare service personnel, with violators facing imprisonment of three to seven years and fines ranging from Rs 25,000 to Rs 2 lakh. Offenses under sections 3, 3A, and 4A are cognizable and non-bailable.

Also, read: 'Not a simple case of rape and murder': Kolkata doctor was trying to expose something big?

Under the Karnataka Medical Registration and Certain Other Law (Amendment) Act, 2024, such cases must be investigated by an officer of at least inspector rank and completed within 60 days of the FIR. Trials should be conducted swiftly, with witness examination continuing daily to aim for completion within one year. If the trial exceeds this period, the court must record reasons, with extensions of up to six months possible. The chief judicial magistrate in each district and the chief metropolitan magistrate in Bengaluru are designated to handle these cases. The court is not required to insist on corroborating evidence unless valid reasons are recorded.

The state government will also issue rules in the official gazette to implement this Act, including provisions for security personnel deployment, installation of CCTV and safety equipment, setting up control rooms and alarms, displaying important information, and developing protection protocols for healthcare professionals.

Additionally, the Act specifies penalties for quackery. Anyone falsely pretending to be registered under this Act or using titles suggesting registration, even if no one is deceived, will face a fine of up to Rs 10,000 for a first offense and up to Rs 1 lakh for subsequent offences.

Also, read: Kolkata Rape-Murder Case: SC takes suo motu cognizance; hearing on August 20

Karnataka Health and Family Welfare Minister Dinesh Gundu Rao said that he will hold a meeting in Bengaluru on August 20 to discuss safety measures for doctors, nurses, and other medical professionals, following recent incidents in Kolkata and Uttarakhand.