HC asks govt to confirm its stand on bandhs

Bengaluru: The High Court of Karnataka on Tuesday directed the state government to file a written statement over its stand on Bandhs. It wanted the government to clarify its stand on granting permission to bandhs by pro-Kannada organisations, including Vatal Nagaraj’s outfit, over Cauvery issue on April 12th. The directive came as result of a batch of petitions  challenging the permission to bandh were filed with the court.

The hearing included a division bench comprising Chief Justice Dinesh Maheshwari and Justice B M Shyam Prasad. At the hearing the advocate representing one of the petitioners submitted that the pro-Kannada organisations call bandh over and over again in violation of the court order.He contended that the state government had failed in controlling such bandhs and on contrary have supported the bandhs called by Vatal Nagaraj who also blackmails the government.

Justice Maheswari responded to the submission and observed that the court has already passed an order on February 2 in connection with the bandhs and no bandhs have been conducted since. “If you (petitioners) have proof to show that government has not taken any steps to control bandhs, submit that to the court,” he told them.

Justice Maheshwari observed that a Supreme Court order had been passed stating that bandhs called by any person or organisations is unconstitutional since they have no constitutional right to do so. Yet, petitions are being filed before the court.

The bench directed the advocate representing the state government to file a written statement over its stand on bandh. The case was adjourned to Wednesday 11th April.

C Raja, president of Rajajinagar Shradha Poshakara Sangha and others have challenged the pro-Kannada activist Vatal Nagaraj and other organisations call for bandh on April 12 following the Cauvery water dispute.