Andhra Pradesh Prevention of Couching Act, 1964
Andhra Pradesh Prevention of Couching Act, 1964
General19646 sections
The Andhra Pradesh Prevention of Couching Act, 1964, prohibits unqualified individuals from performing an eye procedure known as couching within the state. Applying to anyone without recognized medical registration, this law criminalizes performing or attempting this cataract treatment, even with the patient's consent. Violators face up to six months of imprisonment, a fine up to one thousand rupees, or both. The law classifies offences as cognizable and bailable. This Act matters because it protects public health and prevents irreversible blindness by barring untrained practitioners from performing unsafe surgical procedures on vulnerable citizens.
- 1. Short title and commencement
- 2. Definitions – In this Act, unless the context otherwise requires,-
- 3. Penalty for unlawful couching – Whoever, not being a registered practitioner or not possessing a qualification entitling him to be registered under the relevant law relating to the registration of medical practitioners referred to in clause (ii) of section 2, performs or attempts to perform couching on a person with or without his consent, shall be punishable with imprisonment for a term which may extend to six months or with fine which may extend to one thousand rupees or with both.
- 4. Offence to be cognizable and bailable – Notwithstanding anything in the 2[Code of Criminal Procedure, 1898,] an offence under this Act shall be cognizable and bailable.
- 5. Cognizance of offences
- 6. Repeal - The Andhra Pradesh (Andhra Area) Prevention of Couching Act, 1945 is hereby repealed.
PDF: pending for this language.