Uttarakhand Government’s Strong Take Against Terrorism: Most Stringent ‘Anti Riot’ Law Approved In State

Anti Riot Law of Uttarakhand: The government of Uttarakhand Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami has approved the strictest law (ordinance) in the nation, which will compensate for all losses incurred during riots. “The Cabinet has approved the formation of a special tribunal during the Cabinet meeting today with the aim of strictly curbing the cases of riots and unrest,” Mr Dhami said.

Rioters to compensate for loss they caused

He said that the “damage caused to public property during the riots would be compensated by the rioters themselves”.

The Chief Minister said, “Those who disturb the peace of the state will have to pay a heavy price and will set an example that will be remembered for years by the generations of rioters who tarnished the sacred land of Devbhoomi”.

In an effort to quell riots and deal with rioters, Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami’s cabinet passed the Uttarakhand Public (Government) and Recovery of Damage to Private Property (Ordinance) Act 2024 on Monday. This came after the country’s strictest anti-copying law was put into effect and the Uniform Civil Code (UCC) Bill was passed.

This law stipulates that rioters who cause damage to government and private property will be fully reimbursed. In addition, there will be compensation for costs incurred in maintaining government staff and other riot control measures, as well as a massive fine of up to ₹ 8 lakh. This law was approved by the Pushkar Singh Dhami Cabinet on Monday and forwarded to the Governor for approval.

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Penalties for the people who cause disturbance under the Anti Riot Law

This law will enforce severe penalties for anyone who damages private or public property during state-wide disturbances like riots, strikes, or bandhs. If someone’s body is severed during a riot, the full cost of medical care will be reimbursed to the rioter in addition to damages for lost public and private property. In addition, all costs paid by the administration, police, or other riot control agencies during the riots will also be reimbursed. In addition to other penalties and actions, the government has decided to apply this law to the rioters, which can result in a fine of up to ₹ 8 lakh.

In order to take strict measures against the rioters through the Claims Tribunal, the government has also approved the establishment of a formal Claims Tribunal. Under the Uttarakhand Recovery of Damage to Public and Private Property Ordinance 2024, action will be taken against the rioters if the government files a case against them.

The Claims tribunal

The Claims Tribunal has also been duly approved by the government. The recovery from the rioters, their relatives, and their belongings will be made under this tribunal. As Claims Commissioner, an Additional District Magistrate (ADM) category officer has been assigned. Other than the retired judge, there are other members of the Claims Tribunal.

The government has sent this law to the governor for approval after the cabinet approved it. The Governor may use the powers granted by Clause 1 of Article 213 of the Indian Constitution to carry out this law in the state as the State Legislature is not currently in session.

After the approval of the Governor, the “Uttarakhand Public and Private Property Recovery Ordinance 2024” will be implemented in the state.

At the appointment letter distribution ceremony held by the Panchayati Raj department earlier on Sunday at the Chief Sevak Sadan, which is located at the Chief Minister’s residence, Mr. Dhami gave appointment letters to 342 Gram Panchayat Development Officers and eight Assistant Accountants of the Panchayati Raj department.
Gram Panchayat Development Officers are chosen by the Subordinate Services Selection Commission, whereas Assistant Accountants are chosen by the Public Service Commission.