SC asks Centre to create courts to determine claims after violent agitations

The Supreme Court on Tuesday asked the Centre to create courts in every state and union territory to fix accountability for vandalism and compensate victims of violent protests.

The court expressed concern over the loss of lives and damage to public properties during agitations. It told the Centre that one or more district judges should be given responsibilities to prosecute and fix civil liabilities on those responsible for such mayhem.

It also favoured criminal action against leaders of such organisations or political parties whose members indulge in destruction of public or private properties.

A bench of Justices Adarsh Kumar Goel and U U Lalit said although guidelines have been framed by the apex court in 2009, which include videography of such agitations, there is no mechanism to deal with the damages to be paid to the victims.

"These agitations, which result in damage to life and properties, are now happening very often. If it is to be dealt by high courts or the Supreme Court, it will become very difficult. There should be some forum where people can go and seek remedy as per law," the bench said.

The court was dealing with a PIL by advocate Koshy Jacob, who sought implementation of guidelines of the apex court with regard to the procedure to be adopted by the administration during such agitations.