Odisha passes tough resolution for illegal organ transplantation

Taking due cognizance of the situation of shortage of organs to be transplanted to those in need, the Odisha assembly has passed Transplantation of Human Organs (Amendment) Bill, 2011; imposing stringent punishment for illegal human organ transportation and trade in the state.

As per Clause-1 of Article-252 of the constitution, this Amendment Act can be made applicable to a state through a resolution to this effect by legislature, as reported by IANS.

According to the resolution, those indulging in illegal organ or tissue transplantation shall be punishable with a jail term of five years which may be extended to 10 years and a fine of Rs.20 lakh, extendable to Rs.1 crore.

Human Organ Transplantation Act-1994 was enacted in parliament and has been amended during 2011 and has come into force.