Wednesday, March 10, 2010

AP High Court seeks state’s position on bandhs and rasta rokos

By S A Ishaqui

Hyderabad, March 9: Chief Justice Nisar Ahmad Kakru of the AP High Court on Tuesday sought to know from the state government about the policy adopted by it to deal with bandhs and rasta rokos organised by political parties and other organisations.

The Chief Justice and Justice P.V. Sanjay Kumar were dealing with a public interest litigation (PIL), filed by one Mr C. Narayana, a native of Anantapur district.

He sought a direction to declare the action of the Government of India in not constituting a high-powered committee for the purpose of continuing united state of AP or forming new state or states as illegal. The petitioner also sought a direction that political parities should not call for bandhs and rasta rokos.

Referring to the relief sought by the petitioner to direct the Union government to constitute a high-powered committee, Justice Kakru observed that it was not in their domain.

The bench admitted the petition sought by the petitioner regarding bandhs and rasta rokos.

Mr P.V. Krishnaiah, counsel for the petitioner, while arguing the case, said that the fundamental rights of the citizens were affected due to frequent bandhs, rasta rokos, dharnas and other unconstitutional activities. He told the court that political parties were creating havoc by indulging in violence during bandhs and rasta rokos. The Chief Justice asked the advocate-general, Mr D.V. Seetharama Murthy, what steps were being taken by the government to maintain law and order.

Mr Murthy replied that he had filed a counter affidavit explaining the steps being taken. He said the state law and order machinery was continuously monitoring the developments issuing necessary instructions to all the unit officers to maintain law and order. The police has registered 1,075 cases and 4,219 persons were arrested for being involved in violent incidents.

The court granted a week’s time to the AG to file a report on the government’s policy.

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