People's Democracy

 One More High Court Attacks People’s Rights

THE Jharkhand state secretariat of the CPI(M) had termed as unfortunate the judgement of the division bench of Jharkhand High Court at Ranchi, as reported by the press, imposing ban on bandh by political parties and making them responsible for recovery in case of any damage to public or private property during a bandh. This attack has come as a part of a series. First the High Court intervened and banned the rallies and demonstrations on the main roads of Ranchi. Then it imposed a ban on the Bokaro steel workers’ right to strike. And now comes this judgement, not only imposing a ban on bandh by political parties, but also making them responsible for recovery of damages. Thus the High Court is suppressing the right of the people to protest, led by the political parties, against the government’s unjust, unfair and anti-people policies and actions.

The CPI(M) statement, issued by its Jharkhand state secretary J S Majumdhar from Ranchi on December 4, warned that if democratic opposition was not allowed, only dictatorial trend would grow in the ruling classes and the government. Moreover, the frustrated people, without organised and democratic support from the political parties, would be disarrayed and will take to anarchic paths, which the extremists will take advantage of. Instead of advancing the democratic movement, the High Court order would only help developing authoritarianism in the government and anarchism among the people while encouraging extremism in the state.

The secretariat of the CPI(M) has urged upon all sections of the democratic people in Jharkhand to protest peacefully and democratically against this undemocratic judgement of Ranchi High Court. (INN)