After UP, MP Set To Bring Law To Recover Damages From Protesters, Stone Pelters

Under this law, if the damages are not paid within 15 days of the order, the tribunal will have the power to ask the concerned district collector to ensure the recovery

Representational Image. (AFP)

New Delhi: After the BJP ruled states Uttar Pradesh and Haryana, Madhya Pradesh is set to bring a law giving power to the administration for recovering up to twice the cost of damages caused to public and private property by an individual or a group during communal riots, protests and rallies. State home minister Narottam Mishra on Wednesday informed about the introduction of the Bill.

What’s the bill aimed at?

The Bill, likely to be named as Madhya Pradesh Public and Private Property Damage Resolution and Recovery Bill, 2021, is expected to be discussed in the winter session of the State Assembly scheduled to be held in November-end.

The Bill is aimed to develop claims tribunals across the state with powers of Civil Courts under the Code of Civil Procedure 1908.

These tribunals will be empowered to recover up to twice the cost of damages incurred by an individual or the government, and levies interest in case the recovery is not made within 15 days from the date of order. The tribunal can also compensate an individual for the money spent in fighting the case in its ambit.

People involved in riots and stone pelting will also be asked to meet the compensation. Under this law, if the damages are not paid within 15 days of the order, the tribunal will have the power to ask the concerned district collector to ensure the recovery. According to the Home Minister, officers of the rank of retired secretary, director general of police or equivalent will be included in this tribunal.

The minister said individuals or government departments can approach the tribunal for compensation within 30 days of the loss. In case of damage to personal property, a person can directly approach the tribunal, and in cases of damage to the government property, the tribunal shall be notified by the district collector.

People involved in riots and stone pelting will be compensated.  At the same time, according to the provisions of the bill, damages will be compensated from those who are responsible for it and who have incited this incident or encouraged others to cause harm. “The matters in the Tribunal will be settled within three months and its order can be challenged only in the High Court. Those involved in riots and stone pelting causing damage to public and private property will not be spared."