As Uttarakhand gears up for its Budget session starting on Monday, a pivotal piece of legislation is set to take center stage – the Uttarakhand Public and Private Property Damage Recovery Bill. This bill, reminiscent of measures adopted by neighboring states Uttar Pradesh and Haryana, aims to address the rampant destruction of property during protests and strikes.
What does the legislation aims to do?
Under the proposed legislation, losses incurred to public and government properties during such disturbances will be meticulously tallied and subsequently recovered from the accused involved in the mayhem. This move comes in response to a recent spate of violence in Haldwani, where at least five individuals lost their lives, and over a hundred sustained injuries. The unrest erupted following the demolition of a mosque and madrasa built on government land during an anti-encroachment drive.
A senior official involved in drafting the bill revealed that a tribunal, presided over by a retired judge, will be tasked with investigating charges against identified culprits. The tribunal will meticulously assess damages and issue orders for recovery after engaging with affected parties, both governmental and private.
Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami, in the aftermath of the Haldwani violence, vowed to take decisive action. Addressing a rally in Haridwar, he not only promised the construction of a new police station on the reclaimed land but also pledged to ensure that damages caused during the unrest would be recovered from the perpetrators.
This legislative endeavor aligns with Uttarakhand’s recent strides towards legal reform. Notably, the state recently made history by introducing the Uniform Civil Code (UCC), a move aimed at establishing uniform civil laws for all communities within its jurisdiction. The passage of the UCC bill in the Legislative Assembly was hailed as a landmark moment by Chief Minister Dhami.
As the Uttarakhand government prepares to table the Property Damage Recovery Bill, it sends a clear message that it is committed to upholding law and order while safeguarding public and private assets. The tribunal system proposed under the bill reflects a concerted effort to ensure accountability and deterrence against wanton destruction. With neighboring states already implementing similar measures, Uttarakhand’s move underscores a regional commitment to tackling the scourge of property damage amidst civil unrest.
