The Hindu : Karnataka / Bangalore News : Notice to 26 parties over plea to ban bandhs and rallies

Online edition of India's National Newspaper
Tuesday, Jul 12, 2005

Karnataka

Karnataka - Bangalore

Notice to 26 parties over plea to ban bandhs and rallies

Staff Reporter

HIGH COURTROUND-UP

BANGALORE: Reaffirming its earlier observation on regulating strikes, bandhs, hartals and other forms of protests, the Karnataka High Court on Monday ordered issue of notices to all political parties in the State that are registered with the Election Commission.

A Division Bench comprising the Chief Justice, Nauvdip Kumar Sodhi, and Justice S. Abdul Nazeer passed the order on a public interest litigation (PIL) petition by an advocate, A.V. Amarnathan, and B. Krishna Bhat, seeking a direction to the authorities to regulate strikes and hartals in Bangalore as they are inconveniencing the public.

The petitioners said bandhs and other forms of protest disrupt life in Bangalore apart from causing traffic hold-ups. He said the Kerala High Court had declared as illegal and unconstitutional calls for bandhs and this had been endorsed by the Supreme Court.

When the matter came up, the Government advocate furnished to the court a list of registered parties.

The court noted that there are 26 parties registered with the Election Commission and decided to implead them in the petition.

The Bench observed that their presence is necessary as "when we issue directions, we are going to curtail their movements in larger public interest."

The court adjourned hearing on the petition till August 16.

Tree felling

The Bench on Monday observed that the Bangalore Mahanagara Palike (BMP) has decided to fell trees on some roads as they are obstructing the flow of traffic.

The Bench said some trees would have to be felled if the roads are to be widened.

Moreover, for once, an authority is taking action without waiting for a direction from the court.

The Bench made the observation on a public interest litigation (PIL) petition by the Environment Support Group of Jayanagar, seeking a direction to the authorities not to fell trees in Bangalore. The petitioner said the BMP proposed to fell 700 trees, saying that they are affecting movement of traffic. The felling, it said, will result in environmental pollution.

The Bench said traffic is a major problem in Bangalore and trees in odd places have to be felled. Moreover, the 700 trees are not in one area but on different roads.

It said it will not permit the felling of trees in Cubbon Park but that will not come in the way of felling trees to widen roads or facilitate the smooth flow of traffic. It ordered issue of notices to the Bangalore Mahanagara Palike (BMP), the State and other respondents and adjourned hearing of the case.

Printer friendly page
Send this article to Friends by E-Mail

Karnataka