BANDHS AND HARTAL IN
DEMOCRACY As per Supreme
Court, Bandhs are not allowed in Indian
democracy. But there have been instances of several violations by the politicians. Recently, there were two Bandhs in West Bengal, one each organized by SUCI and Trinamul Congress. In Bihar, there was a Bandh organized by the opposition parties. Kerala calls such events as Hartals, and their number was thirty so far in this year, and very recently two in one week. Politicians know very well that Bandhs are not allowed, but they violate this provision by calling it a Hartal. Further it is claimed that, it was a
voluntary participation, and no compulsion was used. But it is also known that, due to the threat of violence, the people keep away, and offices and shops are closed. When a labour union organizes a ballot for a strike, it is different from a Bandh. In strike the particular factory involved is affected, and not everybody. In Democracy, there are several platforms available for conveying protests, and raising and discussing public issues. The irony is that some state Governments in power, themselves organize Bandhs. It is not known against whom, is this Bandh organized? This matter needs proper consideration and action, by all concerned.