The Punjab government has proposed strict measures to deal with violent protests, including penalties and compensation for damages, officials said on Monday.
According to the proposed Police Order (Second Amendment) Act 2025, anyone involved in violent demonstrations or causing property damage will face legal action and be required to compensate for losses. The bill was presented in the Punjab Assembly as part of the government’s efforts to curb unrest.
Under the legislation, a specialized Right Management Unit (RMU) will be established to handle violent protests. The unit will be headed by an officer of Additional IG rank and equipped with modern tools. Officers in the RMU will receive formal training to manage illegal demonstrations.
The bill outlines that district commissioners will identify “illegal right zones” and inform the local police chiefs. Once a zone is declared, the RMU’s incident commander, a police officer in charge of the relevant station, will manage the protest. RMU personnel will have legal immunity while performing their duties.
Those found guilty of violent protest will not only face penalties but also be required to compensate for damages, which include destruction of private and public property, injury, or loss of life. The trial court will determine the compensation with the assistance of the provincial home department, and its decisions may be challenged before a two-member bench of the High Court.
Government sources said the RMU will include officers from the Right Management Force. The bill has been referred to the relevant committee for two months before being presented in the Punjab Assembly for approval. Final assent will be given by the Governor of Punjab.
