Dehradun, Uttarakhand: Uttarakhand Governor Lt Gen (Retd) Gurmit Singh has approved the Uttarakhand Public and Private Property Damage Recovery Bill, aimed at recovering full damages caused to public and private property during riots or protests. The legislation allows for fines of up to Rs 8 lakh on rioters and covers the costs incurred by government staff during riot control. The bill, passed by the state assembly last month, received the governor's assent on Thursday.

Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami welcomed the law, emphasizing its deterrent effect on those who damage public property during strikes, protests, or riots. He highlighted that the law ensures the recovery of all damages from the responsible individuals. The legislation, described as the country's toughest anti-riot law, was introduced after significant property damage during the Banbhoolpura riots in Haldwani earlier this year, which resulted in six deaths and injuries to police and journalists.

September 20, 2024