According to sources, the Uttarakhand government led by Pushkar Singh Dhami is set to propose a bill aimed at recovering the expenses for any harm caused to public or private property during protests from the individuals accountable for the disruption.
This legislation, titled as the Uttarakhand Public and Private Property Damage Recovery Bill, is anticipated to be presented in the state Assembly during the upcoming Budget session, commencing on Monday.
Haldwani violence which shook Uttarakhand
Violent clashes erupted on February 8, 2024, in Haldwani, Uttarakhand, triggered by the court-ordered
demolition of an unauthorized madrasa and mosque located in the Banbhoolpura area, which primarily houses Muslim residents. Amid the turmoil, incidents of stone-pelting, vehicle arson, and the encirclement of the local police station unfolded.
To restore order, authorities were compelled to enforce a shoot -at-sight directive in the affected area. Tragically, the violence resulted in the loss of four lives and left 250 police personnel injured. Reports from law enforcement indicate that the Banbhulpura police station was razed by the mob. In response to the havoc wreaked during the clashes, a curfew was enforced across the entire town for a span of two days.
The Municipal Corporation has initiated legal action by issuing a recovery notice totaling Rs 2.44 crore aga
inst Abdul Malik, a prominent figure implicated in the Haldwani violence. The notice mandates him to remit the specified sum to cover the damages inflicted upon government property during the unrest.
Strict action against rioters
The Uttarakhand Public and Private Property Damage Recovery Bill is scheduled for presentation in the State Assembly during the upcoming Budget session on Monday. This legislative move follows in the footsteps of the
Yogi Adityanath government in Uttar Pradesh, which passed a similar bill in 2020, and Haryana, which subsequently followed suit. Uttarakhand is poised to become the third state to enact such legislation aimed at addressing damages to public and private property incurred during protests or civil unrest.
Under the provisions of this bill, losses sustained during protests and strikes will be recuperated from the individuals accused of causing the disturbance. To facilitate compensation for the incurred losses, a tribunal will be established, headed by a retired district judge.
Following the demolition of structures deemed to be on government land, individuals expressed their outrage by resorting to stone pelting, car arson, and besieging the local police station. Subsequently, Chief Minister Pushkar Dhami declared that individuals engaged in the violent activities would be held accountable for reimbursing the expenses incurred for the damaged property.
