The Uttarakhand government is planning to introduce a new bill that will allow for the recovery of compensation for damage done to properties during protests and strikes. The bill, similar to one passed by Uttar Pradesh in 2020, will establish a tribunal chaired by a retired district judge to determine and recover losses from those involved in disturbances.
The decision to introduce this bill comes following the Haldwani violence, where six protestors and several others were injured during a riot over the demolition of an illegally built madrasa. The violence, which started on February 8th, resulted in the burning of government and private vehicles, a curfew lasting over 12 days, and a damage recovery notice of ₹2.44 crore being issued to one of the accused, Abdul Mallik.
Uttarakhand Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami has pledged to recover all losses suffered by the state during the violence from those involved in the mob. The bill is expected to be introduced during the upcoming budget session, set to begin on February 26.
Overall, the bill aims to hold protestors and accused individuals accountable for damage caused during protests and strikes, while also providing a mechanism for recovering compensation for the losses incurred. This move is likely to spark further debate and discussion, given the controversial nature of both the bill and the events that led to its proposal.