The Karnataka bandh called by Kannada outfits on Sunday was struck down by the Karnataka High Court. The Bandh was called to target PM Narendra Modi’s rally to be held in Bangalore tomorrow. However the reason cited by Kannada outfits had been the centre’s alleged inaction over resolution of Mahadayi river water dispute between Goa and Karnataka. The protestors have now decided to observe a black day.

Another bandh for the same reason called by Kannada outfits during Amit Shah’s visit to Mysore had received tacit support of the Congress government lead by Siddaramaiah. The Bandh had failed to thwart the BJP rally in Mysore on January 25. The chief minister often endorses these Kannada ‘activists’ on Twitter.

Karnataka High Court calls the proposed Sunday bandh as unconstitutional

The Karnataka High Court head a petition by Sri A.S.Ponnanna on the proposed bandh and passed the following order [pdf] . The High Court, in its order said that such bandh’s were unconstitutional. It asked the law enforcement authorities to abide by its order and restrain those who have called the bandh.

The Hon’ble Supreme Court in All India Anna Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam v. Govt. of T.N. [2009 (5) SCC 452] and in Communist Party of India (M) v. Bharat Kumar [1998 (1) SCC 201] has declared that calling of a bandh or the holding of it is unconstitutional. Therefore, we direct the State Government and its officials including the Law Enforcement Agencies to do all that is necessary to give effect to the aforesaid declaration. Further, the organizations who have called for the bandh are restrained from proceeding with the call for bandh in the State on 04.02.2018.

- Advertisement -

The court also appreciated the petitioner for bringing the matter to its attention.

It is high time that CM Siddaramaiah learns to prioritise his responsibilities as a Chief Minister rather than encourage forced bandhs called by people who seem to be his cronies, disguised as ‘activists’.