DEHRADUN: Days after large-scale violence erupted during an anti-encroachment drive in Banphoolpura locality of Haldwani, Uttarakhand govt will table a bill that makes rioters accountable for damages to govt and private property.
Uttarakhand Public and Private Property Damage Recovery Bill will be presented in the state assembly during budget session starting on Monday.
Yogi Adityanath govt in Uttar Pradesh passed a similar bill in 2020 and Haryana followed suit. Uttarakhand will be the third state to enact such a law.
Govt sources indicated that they are keen on ‘swift passage of the bill in upcoming session’. Under the proposed law, individuals causing harm during protests or strikes will be “financially responsible for losses”. A tribunal, to be led by a former judge, will determine compensation amounts and issue recovery notices.
Talking to TOI, chief minister Pushkar Singh Dhami labelled the issue “extremely serious,” affirming govt’s commitment to decisive action. “Our legal experts are reviewing details (of the bill), and we will soon introduce a robust law on this matter,” he said.
The chief minister emphasised govt’s stance against violence, saying “while discussions are welcome, govt will not condone violence under any circumstances.”
He said, “We have previously enacted strict laws to prevent cheating in competitive exams, including harsh penalties for offenders. Similarly, this legislation will have stringent provisions. Further details (of the proposed law) will be provided once the draft is finalised.”
Apart from Haldwani, Dehradun and Haridwar districts have seen violent protests against anti-encroachment measures in past few years. Widespread violence in Banphoolpura was a significant factor leading to govt’s consideration of this legislation, sources said.
Uttarakhand Public and Private Property Damage Recovery Bill will be presented in the state assembly during budget session starting on Monday.
Yogi Adityanath govt in Uttar Pradesh passed a similar bill in 2020 and Haryana followed suit. Uttarakhand will be the third state to enact such a law.
Govt sources indicated that they are keen on ‘swift passage of the bill in upcoming session’. Under the proposed law, individuals causing harm during protests or strikes will be “financially responsible for losses”. A tribunal, to be led by a former judge, will determine compensation amounts and issue recovery notices.
Talking to TOI, chief minister Pushkar Singh Dhami labelled the issue “extremely serious,” affirming govt’s commitment to decisive action. “Our legal experts are reviewing details (of the bill), and we will soon introduce a robust law on this matter,” he said.
The chief minister emphasised govt’s stance against violence, saying “while discussions are welcome, govt will not condone violence under any circumstances.”
He said, “We have previously enacted strict laws to prevent cheating in competitive exams, including harsh penalties for offenders. Similarly, this legislation will have stringent provisions. Further details (of the proposed law) will be provided once the draft is finalised.”
Apart from Haldwani, Dehradun and Haridwar districts have seen violent protests against anti-encroachment measures in past few years. Widespread violence in Banphoolpura was a significant factor leading to govt’s consideration of this legislation, sources said.