Non-payment of salaries to medics a criminal offence: Govt to inform states

The top court noted that non-adherence to the Centre's direction by states will be treated as an offence under the Disaster Management Act and sections of the Indian Penal Code

The Centre on Wednesday informed the Supreme Court that it will issue a direction to all the states under the Disaster Management Act to pay timely salaries and remunerations to all doctors and healthcare workers, and any breach would considered be a criminal offence.

Solicitor General Tushar Mehta, representing the Centre, made a statement before the apex court that the Centre is willing to make non-payment of salary a criminal offence under the Disaster Management Act.

Mehta contended before the bench that the Centre will issue a direction under Section 10 of the Disaster Management Act.

A bench comprising Justices