The article focuses on encapsulating a century old act widely known as THE EPIDEMIC DISEASES ACT, 1897. Each year hundreds of outbreaks occurs but sadly we fail to answer them. Apart from various biological and public health intercessions, there is a strong need to look at the legal framework to review the prevailing health systems in a country. Although we have number of legal apparatus to brace public health measures in a situation of such outbreak, they are not being addressed under a single legislation. The Act of 1897, is a 123-year-old blunt act which needs a substantial amendment to strike out the rising burden of infectious diseases as India is facing dual burden of contagious diseases even in 21st century. The substance of the article is divided into various heads for the simpliciter understanding such as origin of the act, its brief overview, limitations and substantial amendments made by the government. Finally, the article ends with the suggestions and conclusion made by the author(s). 

Keywords: Epidemic, Infectious Diseases, Public Health, Legal Framework, Amendment.

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