The Karnataka Prevention of Destruction and Loss of Property Act, 1981
During the last few years, agitational methods are being used by students, laborers, anti social elements etc., to meet their various objectives and this occasionally results in looting and damage to public and private property. To control such mob as well as individual behavior, and to provide deterrent punishment for such offences, the Karnataka Prevention Of Destruction And Loss Of Property Act, 1981 was passed.
Section 3 of the act provides punishment for committing mischief and causing loss or damage to any property. A person who commits such mischief is liable to be punished with imprisonment for a term not less than 6 months, but which may extend to five years and with fine, which may extend to two thousand rupees.
The act also provides for imposition of collective fines over inhabitants of an area, who are concerned in abetting or instigating such mischief to property, or who harbors such offenders, or who fail to render assistance to apprehend such offenders. The state government may apportion such fine amongst the inhabitants according to the respective means of the inhabitants of such area.