Indian Pandemic Law: A Deep Dive into COVID-19's Legal Impact

The emergence of the COVID-19 pandemic, caused by the SARS-CoV-2 virus, profoundly affected the global population, including India. This research delves into the multifaceted impact of COVID-19, the response of nations worldwide, and the legal dimensions of India's battle against the pandemic. Initially, India maintained relatively low death and infection rates due to its inherent immunity. However, as subsequent waves swept the world, challenges in public health infrastructure, medical preparedness, and legal frameworks emerged.

This study comprises five key chapters. The first chapter introduces the research, outlining its significance, problem statements, and research methodology. It provides a conceptual distinction between an epidemic and a pandemic and sets the stage for the thesis.

Chapter two conducts a comparative analysis of how various nations tackled the pandemic, highlighting the role of the World Health Organization (WHO). It offers an international perspective on how countries with different population sizes, climate conditions, and healthcare systems responded to the crisis.

Chapter three delves into the legal dimensions of COVID-19 in India. It explores the pivotal role played by the Disaster Management Act, 2005, the Epidemic Diseases Act of 1897, and the Epidemic Diseases (Amendment) Act, 2020, along with other relevant legislation. This chapter also examines disaster management agencies at different government levels and their cooperative federalism approach.

Chapter four explores India's national lockdown strategy as an embodiment of cooperative federalism. It analyzes the diverse actions taken by states to implement lockdown measures, emphasizing the cooperative role played by states of varying populations.

The concluding chapter synthesizes the findings and offers suggestions for legislation, norms, and policies to better prepare India for future crises. It underscores the need for a more detailed framework to address unforeseen disasters comprehensively.

This research provides a holistic understanding of the COVID-19 pandemic's impact on India, its legal response, and the lessons learned for future preparedness.