HC to state: Follow guidelines on bandhs

Irked by the non-compliance with its earlier order, the Bombay High Court on Wednesday told the state Govt to come up with a regulation to deal with bandhs (strikes) organised by political parties or unregistered groups, reports Urvi Mahajani.

Irked by the non-compliance with its earlier order, the Bombay High Court on Wednesday told the state government to come up with a regulation to deal with bandhs (strikes) organised by political parties or unregistered groups.

HT Image

Observing that the state has failed to take any action in this regard, a division bench of Justices J.N. Patel and K.K. Tated asked the government to follow the guidelines set in 2004 by the high court regarding bandhs.

The guidelines contemplate, among other things, a notice to the organisation/political party calling the bandh pointing out that it would be liable for any loss of life, injury, or loss of livelihood on account of the bandh.

The court warned that if the government failed to implement its earlier judgment, the judges would take action against the officers concerned.

“There have been recurring instances of bandhs called by political parties (after the 2004 judgment). Their followers have indulged in violent activities... and state has failed to take concrete action steps to prevent it,” observed the bench.

The court was hearing a petition filed by social activist Varsha Deshpande from Satara following three bandhs in Sangli district in 2006.