Bare Act
The Jammu and Kashmir Public Property (Prevention of Damage) Act, 1985
General19857 sections
This Act is designed to protect public property from vandalism and destruction within the jurisdiction of Jammu and Kashmir. It defines "public property" broadly to include assets owned or controlled by the government, local authorities, and state-funded institutions. The law creates specific criminal offences for causing "mischief" to these assets, with harsher penalties for damaging essential services like water, power, transport, or telecommunications, and even stricter punishments for using fire or explosives. It ensures that those who damage public infrastructure face significant legal consequences, including mandatory imprisonment terms, while allowing the prosecution a say in bail hearings.
- 1. Short title, extent and commencement
- 2. Definitions
- 3. Mischief causing damage to public property
- 4. Provided that the court may, for reasons to be recorded in its judgment, award a sentence of imprisonment for a term of less than six months.
- 5. Provided that the court may, for special reasons to be recorded in its judgments, award a sentence of imprisonment for a term of less than one year.
- 6. Procedure for trials
- 7. Saving
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