Opposition MP Virendra Lal has warned that provisions in the Police Bill 2026 could expose innocent families and property owners to what he described as the trauma of State invasion, without guaranteeing compensation for damage caused during police operations.
Speaking in Parliament yesterday, Mr Lal questioned why the Bill allowed police to dig up land, remove floorboards and dismantle properties under judicial crime scene orders without establishing an express State compensation scheme.
“Who replaces those floorboards? Who pays for the repairs? Who compensates innocent families for the trauma of State invasion?” he asked.
He said Clauses 83 and 84 granted police significant powers to search and dismantle property, while Clause 86 provided for alternative accommodation upon request.
However, he said the legislation did not clearly spell out how innocent property owners would be compensated for damage.
Mr Lal also raised concerns about Clause 120, which allows police to erect barriers across public roads, with officers and the force protected from liability for loss, damage or injury resulting from the exercise of those powers.
He further questioned the scope of protection granted to officers under Clause 161 and the level of independent oversight over police disciplinary processes.
Mr Lal said the concentration of disciplinary powers within the police command structure raised accountability concerns, particularly given the Commissioner’s authority to terminate officers on grounds including suitability, competence, integrity and performance.
His concerns centred on the balance between granting police operational powers and protecting the rights of ordinary citizens.
