Punjab Enforcement and Regulation Act, 2024
The Punjab Enforcement and Regulation Act, 2024 (“PERA”) is a Provincial Statue and extends to whole of Punjab. The law was passed by the Provincial Assembly of the Punjab on October 11, 2024 and assented to by the Governor of the Punjab on October 16, 2024.
The aim of PERA is to establish the Punjab Enforcement and Regulatory Authority and to prescribe procedures for efficient and effective implementation and enforcement of special laws throughout Punjab. The aim of the law is to improve coordination and cooperation between existing regulatory agencies under special laws; to streamline regulatory measures across the Province for better and more effective enforcement of special laws (as listed in the Act or from time to time inserted by the Government); to designate a lead regulator in regulatory areas where existing enforcement is lacking or prone to jurisdictional overlap; to implement a uniform overarching strategy on regulatory compliance; to establish enforcement stations and empower authorized officers to carry out proceedings and hearings; to pursue administrative and non-judicial enforcement actions for violations under special laws; and, to provide for all matters connected therewith and ancillary thereto.
The offences under PERA laws are cognizable and non-bailable offences. The officers can conduct investigations and register FIRs. PERA has an overriding effect over other laws and incase there is any inconsistency between PERA and any other laws, the provisions of Punjab Enforcement and Regulation Act, 2024 shall prevail.
Officer Powers. The officers are authorized to inspect, search & seize property, remove encroachments, arrest for non‑compliances, levy fines and conduct electronic surveillance
Appeals of offences under PERA are provided before Hearding Officer. Any person who is aggrieved of the decision of Hearing Officer can appeal to the Commissioner within 30 days. A person who is aggrieved by the decision of the Commissioner may within 30 days of the receipt of such decision appeal in the Court against the decision of the Commissioner.
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