SHILLONG, MAY 27: Meghalaya high court on Wednesday directed the print and electronic media of the state to refrain from publishing statement about bandh by the HNLC or other organisations that is infringing into the freedom of the citizens.
In its order issued on Wednesday, the Meghalaya court said, “We direct that the statements of HNLC or any organization which may disturb the even tempo of day-to-day public life and cause violation of Fundamental rights of citizens in particular under Article 19 and 21 of the 12 Constitution of India relating to strike, bandh, hartal, road blockade and holding of rallies with unlawful design shall not be issued by any of the print and electronic media.”
The order said that Meghalaya DGP Rajiv Mehta had made a request to restrain the media from publishing any such statements issued by/or in the name of HNLC or any other organization which may have the effect of disturbing the even tempo of public life in the state having a long international border with Bangladesh.
The court observed, “In view of the present obtaining scenario, consequent upon call of bandh in the State of Meghalaya, the prayer of the Director General of Police Mehta deserves consideration.”
According to the court, the statements issued by the outfit HNLC, banned by the Tribunal as unlawful, is given undue publicity and coverage, both in print and electronic media which creates fear in the mind of common citizens.
The court order further said, “In case of violation of this order, the court may not only proceed under the Contempt of Courts Act, but it is also directed that the state government shall register criminal cases under appropriate provisions of the law.”
The court has also 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 its use depending upon the law and order situation in the city as well as across the state.
It also directed the state government of Meghalaya and the CEO/In-charge of Municipal Corporation, Shillong, to issue notice to all such shops and business establishments, in particular, the medical shops and hotels and also to taxi owners, as to why their licences not be cancelled for staying away from their lawful avocation and for keeping their establishments closed despite repeated press communique of assurance issued by the state government that they shall be provided adequate protection on their place of occupation/business.
Further, all the central and state government organizations situated in the state are also issued notices with direction to file affidavits regarding the position of attendance of staff today or thereafter, namely, the date of call of bandh given by the outfit HNLC, the court said.
The court also observed that it has become a regular feature in the day to day life of Meghalaya, particularly, Shillong to observe bandh even on a hoax call in the name of this organization said to be operating from the territory of Bangladesh with a limited and dwindling cadre.
It is reported that as a result of today’s bandh of Meghalaya called by HNLC the even tempo of otherwise peaceful public life has been badly disturbed. Even the medical shops, hotels and conveyance services are not available to the native citizens, it said.
The court also stated that the “bandh” has violated the fundamental rights of common citizens as guaranteed in Articles 19 and 21 of the Constitution of India.- By Our Reporter
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