The Hindu : Opinion / Letters to the Editor : Overreach

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Tuesday, Oct 02, 2007
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Opinion - Letters to the Editor

Overreach

This refers to the Supreme Court’s special sitting on a Sunday to hear a petition filed by the AIADMK, and its order staying the Tamil Nadu bandh called by the DMK and its allies. Has a bandh never taken place in this country after the apex court judgment of 1998 banning bandhs? What is the big difference between a strike or hartal and a bandh? And what was the need to conduct a special sitting on a holiday?

Again, what was wrong on the part of the DMK and its allies in observing a fast, a Gandhian mode of demonstration? A Supreme Court judge’s oral observation that the UPA government should not feel shy of dismissing the Tamil Nadu government is a clear case of judicial overreach and high-handedness. Does a party that strive for the betterment and economic prosperity of the State it rules deserve such criticism?

R.M. Manoharan,
Chennai

* * *

There have been many instances in which State governments have called for bandhs after 1998. One wonders why the apex court created a huff and puff this time. How many governments have been dismissed for calling for State-wide strikes? And in how many cases of similar importance has the Supreme Court conducted a Sunday hearing? The court’s reference to a breakdown of the constitutional machinery was uncalled for. It is a clear case of judicial over-activism.

Madhan Anbalagan,
Chennai

* * *

State-sponsored bandhs may be illegal. But fasting is a Gandhian method of protest. There was no law and order problem in the State on Monday. What was wrong in like-minded parties organising a show of solidarity on a matter concerning the welfare of the State?

Rameeza A. Rasheed,
Chennai

* * *

While the Supreme Court’s concern over the disruption of normal life during government-sponsored bandhs is understandable, it is disturbing to imagine the consequences that will entail if similar constraints are imposed on peaceful demonstrations such as bandhs, hartals and strikes. What is the role of legislatures if the country is to be governed by judicial strictures?

Kasim Sait,
Chennai

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