Liability of owner of property to pay compensation.

1. (1) Any person whose property catches fire on account of any action of his own or of his agent done deliberately

or negligently shall be liable to pay compensation to any other person suffering damages to his property on account of any action taken under section 10 of this Act by any officer mentioned therein or any person acting under the authority of such officer.

1. (2) All claims under sub-section (1) shall be referred to the Collector within thirty days from the date when the damage was caused.
2. (3) The Collector shall, after giving the parties an opportunity of being heard, determine the amount of compensation due and pass an order stating such amount and the – 9 – person liable for the same. The order so passed shall have the force of a decree of a Civil Court, and shall be subject to an appeal to the District Judge having jurisdiction over the area in which the property is situated.