The Karnataka government has introduced a bill aimed at penalizing deliberate insults directed at healthcare personnel, including registered medical practitioners, nurses, medical students, and paramedics. The proposed legislation covers insults conveyed directly, through social media, or unauthorized audio and video recordings while these personnel are performing their duties.
Under the Karnataka Medical Registration and Certain Other Law (Amendment) Bill 2024, intentional insult is defined as the use of words, gestures, or figures with the intent to humiliate, disgrace, annoy, or abuse healthcare service personnel in connection with their professional responsibilities.
The bill specifies that individuals found guilty of such offenses could face imprisonment for up to three months or a fine of up to ten thousand rupees.
The bill also declares that offenses under sections 3, 3A, and 4A will be cognizable and non-bailable.
This initiative comes amidst widespread calls from medical professionals across the nation for stringent laws to curb violence and insults directed towards them, particularly from patients or their relatives.