Maharashtra Bandh News: Bombay High Court Bans August 24 Shutdown Amid Outrage Over Sexual Assault

On August 23, 2024, the Bombay High Court intervened to prohibit any political party or individuals from proceeding with the Maharashtra bandh scheduled for August 24. This decision comes in response to a call for protest against the alleged sexual assault of two schoolgirls in Badlapur, Thane district. The court emphasized that allowing the bandh could severely disrupt life across Maharashtra, particularly in Mumbai.

The court issued notices returnable on October 9 to the state government and various political parties involved in the bandh, including the Shiv Sena (UBT), NCP (SP), and Congress. The ruling highlighted the potential chaos that could ensue if the bandh proceeded, noting that it could lead to significant disruptions in essential services and daily life.

Background of the Maharashtra Bandh

The call for the Maharashtra bandh was initiated by the opposition alliance, Maha Vikas Aghadi (MVA), comprising the Shiv Sena (UBT), NCP (Sharad Pawar faction), and Congress. This action was sparked by public outrage over the alleged sexual assault of two minor girls at a school in Badlapur. The incident, which reportedly involved a school attendant, has ignited widespread protests and demands for justice.

Court’s Rationale Against the Bandh

The Bombay High Court’s decision was based on concerns regarding the impact of the bandh on citizens’ daily lives. The court referenced a previous ruling from July 2004, which deemed the enforcement of bandhs as unconstitutional. The judges noted that the consequences of the bandh would affect various segments of society, including schoolchildren, daily wage workers, and business owners.

The court’s division bench, led by Chief Justice Devendra Kumar Upadhyaya, stressed the importance of maintaining public order and ensuring that essential services remain uninterrupted. They pointed out that allowing the bandh could result in a complete halt to life in Mumbai, which heavily relies on its local train services.

Political Reactions and Public Sentiment

In light of the court’s ruling, political leaders from the opposition expressed their disappointment. Uddhav Thackeray, leader of the Shiv Sena (UBT), emphasized the necessity of the bandh to address the serious issue of women’s safety in Maharashtra. He stated that the protests were a legitimate response to the government’s inaction regarding the safety of women and children. The MVA coalition has been vocal about the need for stricter laws and faster implementation of the Shakti Criminal Laws (Maharashtra Amendment) Bill, 2020, to ensure justice for victims of sexual assault.

What to Expect on August 24

Despite the court’s ruling, there are still concerns about the potential for unrest. The opposition parties have called for public support for the bandh, which raises questions about compliance with the court’s orders.

• Schools and Colleges: The Maharashtra government has not issued any official directives regarding school closures, so educational institutions that typically remain open on Saturdays are expected to operate normally.
• Public Transport: While no official notifications have been released regarding public transport services, the potential for disruptions remains. Commuters may face challenges due to possible protests.
• Banks: Banks will be closed on August 24, as it is the fourth Saturday of the month, in accordance with Reserve Bank of India regulations.
• Emergency Services: The court has mandated that emergency services must remain operational, ensuring that healthcare and essential services are not disrupted.