Who decides the rent for illegal occupation of State property?

Under the PERA Force Laws, the power to decide the rent for illegal occupation of State property rests with the Hearing Officer. This provision ensures that all cases involving unlawful possession or unauthorized use of government or public assets are dealt with through a fair and legal mechanism. The Hearing Officer evaluates the extent of occupation, the nature of the property, and its commercial or public value before determining the rent or compensation payable by the occupier.

This process prevents arbitrary decisions and guarantees transparency in handling cases of illegal possession. The Hearing Officer, being an independent adjudicatory authority under the PERA framework, ensures that the rent or penalty aligns with the prescribed rules and valuation standards. By assigning this responsibility to the Hearing Officer rather than the Authority or Enforcement Officer, the law maintains a clear separation between enforcement and adjudication functions.

In essence, this provision under the PERA Force Laws not only safeguards State property but also upholds legal fairness. The decision of the Hearing Officer serves as a deterrent against misuse of public assets and ensures that any benefit derived from illegal occupation is compensated as per law. This strengthens institutional accountability and promotes lawful use of State resources.