1. (a) If an indecent nuisance exists, a prosecuting official or any resident of the county in which the indecent nuisance exists may bring an action to abate the indecent nuisance and to perpetually enjoin the maintenance of the indecent nuisance.

2. (b) If a person other than a prosecuting official institutes an action under this chapter, the complainant shall execute a bond to the person against whom complaint is made, with good and sufficient surety to be approved by the court or clerk in a sum of at least one thousand dollars ($1,000) to secure to the party enjoined the damages the party may sustain if:

   1. (1) the action is wrongfully brought;
   2. (2) the action is not prosecuted to final judgment;
   3. (3) the action is dismissed;
   4. (4) the action is not maintained; or

   5. (5) it is finally decided that the injunction ought not to have been granted.

      The party aggrieved by the issuance of the injunction has recourse against the bond for all damages suffered, including damages to the aggrieved party's property, person, or character and including reasonable attorney's fees incurred in defending the action.

3. (c) A person who institutes an action and executes a bond may recover the bond and reasonable attorney's fees incurred in trying the action if the existence of an indecent nuisance is admitted or established in an action as provided in this chapter.

4. (d) If a prosecuting official institutes an action under this chapter (or IC 34-1-52.5 or IC 34-19-2 before their repeal) and the existence of an indecent nuisance is admitted or established in the action, the governmental entity that employs the prosecuting official is entitled to all investigative costs, court costs, and reasonable attorney's fees incurred by the entity in instituting the action. The fees shall be deposited in:

   1. (1) the state general fund, if the action is instituted by the attorney general;
   2. (2) the operating budget of the office of the prosecuting attorney, if the action is instituted by a prosecuting attorney;
   3. (3) the operating budget of the office of the corporation counsel or city attorney, if the action is instituted by a corporation counsel or city attorney; or

   4. (4) the county general fund, if the action is instituted by an attorney representing the county.

      [Pre-2002 Recodification Citation: 34-19-2-2.]

As added by P.L.2-2002, SEC.15. Amended by P.L.106-2026, SEC.18.