Tura, Sept 21: The District Magistrate of West Garo Hills on Sunday issued prohibitory orders against the proposed night road blockade announced by a group of pressure groups on September 22 and 23 from 9 PM to 5 AM.
The blockade was called by ADE, FKJGP, GSU (CEC), FAF and AYWO, but the administration warned that such actions could lead to disruption of public life, obstruction of vehicular movement, and possible breach of peace.
Citing a 2015 ruling of the Meghalaya High Court, the order stressed that bandhs, hartals and blockades are unconstitutional as they infringe on the fundamental rights of citizens. The court has also directed media houses to refrain from publicizing such unlawful calls.
“the Hon’ble High Court of Meghalaya Case No. WP(C)/SH/127 of 2015 stated 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 and directed that 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”, said the order by DC.
The order, issued under Section 163 of the BNSS 2023, strictly prohibits obstruction of vehicle movement, gathering of five or more persons during the blockade and carrying or concealing of lathis, stones, missiles, firearms or any lethal weapons.
The prohibitory order, however, exempts armed forces, paramilitary, and law enforcement agencies on lawful duty. It will remain in force with immediate effect across the entire West Garo Hills district.
The District Magistrate further warned that any violation would invite criminal cases under relevant provisions of law, along with contempt proceedings as directed by the High Court.
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