The Uttar Pradesh government’s acceptance of ₹6.27 lakh from the Muslim community as “compensation” for damages caused to public property during anti-CAA protests lacks due process. The claims are to be processed under the aegis of the Supreme Court or the State High Court concerned. When multiple States have suffered damages, the Supreme Court should take over cognisance. In each case, the High Court or Supreme Court, as the case may be, should appoint a sitting or retired High Court judge or a sitting or retired district judge as a Claims Commissioner to estimate the damages and investigate liability. The Claims Commissioner would finally make a report to the High Court or Supreme Court, which would determine the liability after hearing the parties.

Source: The Hindu December 29, 2019 19:41 UTC