Governor General of India in Council

“ WHEREAS it is expedient to provide for the better prevention of the spread of dangerous epidemic disease; It is hereby enacted as follows:-
Short title, extent and commencement.
1. (1) This Act may be called the Epidemic Diseases Act, 1897.
(2) It extends to the whole of British India (inclusive of Upper Burma, British Baluchistan, the Santal Parganas and the Pargana of Spiti) ; and
(3) It shall come into force at once.
Power to take special measures and prescribe regulations as to dangerous epidemic disease. 2. ”

“ Any person disobeying any regulation or order made under this Act shall be deemed to have committed an offence punishable under section 188 of the Indian Penal Code. XLV of 1860.
Protection to persons acting under this Act. 4. No suit or other legal proceeding shall lie against any person for anything done or in good faith intended to be done under this Act. ”