Mumbai HC Fine for Bandh

Date: 
Saturday, July 24, 2004

Press Statement

The Polit Bureau of the Communist Party of India (Marxist) has issued the following statement:

The Polit Bureau of the Communist Party of India (Marxist) expresses its strong disagreement with the Mumbai High Court verdict ordering two political parties to pay compensation for a bandh they had called. The right to dissent and to organise voluntary protest actions are inherent and inalienable rights of the people in a democratic polity which are enshrined in the Indian Constitution.

If such rights are curbed and or stifled either by courts or by executive intervention, it will only encourage the forces that stand for autocratic rule or violence. In case of violation of existing laws, action can be taken against the perpetrators as per the provisions.

The Polit Bureau of the CPI(M) urges upon the Central Government to pass necessary legislation to protect the rights of the people. The right to organise strikes, bandhs or hartals were enjoyed by the Indian people even during British rule.