The Punjab Prevention of Damage to Public and Private Property Act, 2014
The Punjab Prevention of Damage to Public and Private Property Act, 2014
The Punjab Prevention of Damage to Public and Private Property Act, 2014 regulates acts that cause loss, destruction, or damage to government and private assets during strikes, protests, rallies, or blockades in Punjab. It applies to individuals, groups, participants, and organizational leaders who arrange, instigate, or participate in such damaging demonstrations. This law matters because it makes property damage during public unrest a serious, non-bailable criminal offense punishable by imprisonment and heavy fines. Additionally, it enables the state to use video evidence in court and empowers a designated authority to recover financial compensation for destroyed property directly from offenders and organizers as land revenue arrears.
- 1. Short title and commencement.
- 2. Definitions.
- 3. Prohibition of doing damageing act.
- 4. Penalty for causing damage.
- 5. Penalty for causing damage by fire or explosive substance.
- 6. Recovery of damage or loss.
- 7. Constitution of competent authority.
- 8. Offences to be non-bailable.
- 9. Offences to be cognizable.
- 10. Special provision regarding evidence.
- 11. The provisions of this Act are not in derogation of any other law.
PDF: pending for this language.