Uttarakhand Anti-Riot Act: Strict law has been implemented on riots and agitations in Uttarakhand. In which the culprits will be compensated for the loss caused during riots and agitation. Preparations are being made to compensate for the loss of public property after any riot in the state. After the approval of the Governor, the state government has implemented the new law. Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami has said that this law is necessary to maintain peace in the state. This law will ensure that strict action is taken against those who harm the peace of Devbhoomi, so that no one does such an act in future.
Uttarakhand Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami has expressed gratitude and appreciation for the Governor's approval of the Uttarakhand Public (Government) and Private Property Damage (Ordinance) Act-2024. The Chief Minister said, 'Under this law, compensation will be recovered from other rioters for damaging government and private property. Along with this, the expenses incurred on government employees engaged in riots and other works will also be recovered. No one is allowed to disturb the law and order and the basic nature of the state in Devbhoomi Uttarakhand. This law will be strictly implemented in the state.'
What are the provisions in the new law?
Strict action including fines and imprisonment will be taken against those who damage property during riots and agitations. Also, reimbursement of government expenditure on riot control will also be recovered from the rioters. A fine of up to eight lakhs will be imposed on damaging government and private property, and compensation will be charged from the rioters. If there is damage to property during the bandh and strike, then the organizing leaders will also be responsible for it.
Along with recovering compensation from the rioters, the cost of riot control will also be recovered. The Dhami government introduced the bill in the House during the Gairsain session in August this year and it was passed by voice vote. This bill includes public properties including buildings, vehicles, roads etc.
Responsibility of leaders
If there is any damage to property during any agitation or bandh, the organisers or leaders of the agitation will be held responsible. This will not only compensate for the loss but will also attract additional fines.
After several violent incidents in Banbhulpura last year, Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami had talked about bringing this law, which was introduced in the House during the Gairsain Assembly session in MIHAN in August this year. Now after the approval of the Governor, this bill has become a law.
Formation of an independent tribunal
An independent tribunal will be set up, headed by a retired district judge. The tribunal will function with powers similar to those of a civil court and will hear cases of economic damage. It sets a three-month time limit for hearing property damage claims.