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A Bandh to Bandhs

In a landmark order, The Bombay High court fined the Shiv-Sena and the BJP Rs 20 lakhs each for calling, supporting and enforcing a bandh in July 2003, in the wake of the Ghatkopar blast. The Maharashtra Govt listed some measures that would be brought out in the near future to combat frequent calls for such bandhs by political parties. Apparently, the decision was a result of a PIL filed in the High court claiming a loss of Rs 50 crore as a result of the bandh . While no Indian court would have fined the ones responsible the whole (or even a significant part of the) amount (even if they were held fully liable for the loss), this is a step in the right direction.

The state listed out four broad measures it planned to implement. It said that any party, organisation, group or individual calling for bandh will be served a notice under Section 149 Cr.PC, which will state the illegality of bandh. The notice will also state that the person or organisation calling for bandh will be liable for legal action for any loss of life, injury or property damage.

This is a major step by the state to reign in the sundry political parties and the way they treat the state as their baap ka maal. Lets just hope this would lead to people thinking twice before calling a bandh and enforcing it in the way it has historically been done. And if that IS done .. then lets hope the said measures are brought into immediate effect.

Related:
The BJP says it will appeal in the Supreme Court against the imposed fine [Link]
So will the Sena [Link]

Posted by anya at July 23, 2004 04:36 PM | TrackBack