Shillong, Jan 15: In view of the fact that bandhs are a violation to the fundamental rights of the common citizens as guaranteed in Article 19 and 21 of the Constitution of India, the High Court of Meghalaya, comprising of Hon’ble Chief Justice Uma Nath Singh, Hon’ble Justice T N K Singh and Hon’ble Justice S R Sen, in Case No. WP(C) (SH) 127 of 2015 in Registrar General High Court of Meghalaya versus State of Meghalaya has directed both the print and electronic media to refrain from publicizing any such statements relating to calling of bandhs, hartals, road blockades and holding of rallies with unlawful designs by the banned outfits or any other organizations.
In case of violation of this Order, the Court may not only proceed under the Contempt of Courts Act, but it also directed that the State Government shall register criminal cases under appropriate provision of the law.
To encourage the common citizens to return to their normal life and get strength of courage to pursue their regular avocation without any element of fear, the High Court of Meghalaya has directed the State Government to authorize the local administration to take the assistance of Para-Military Forces which are positioned in Shillong in sufficient strength for holding Flag March to dispel the fear from the mind of common citizens, and also for use depending upon the law and order situation in the city of Shillong as well as across the State of Meghalaya.
The High Court has also directed the State Government of Meghalaya and the CEO incharge of Municipal Corporation, Shillong, to issue notices to all shops and business establishments, in particular, the medical shops and hotels and also to taxi owners, as to why their licenses not be cancelled for staying away from their lawful avocation and for keeping their establishments closed despite repeated Press Release/Communique of assurance issued by the State Government that they shall be provided adequate protection on their place of occupation/business.
All Central and State Government organizations situated in the State of Meghalaya are to file affidavits regarding the position of attendance of staff during the date of call of bandh.
