Assam DGP Asserts High Court’s Order to Recover Losses from Bandh Organizers

The DGP's firm stance aims to discourage disruptive activities, putting financial accountability on organizers, and aligning with the court's order.

Digital Desk: Assam's Director General of Police (DGP) G P Singh reiterated his firm stance against Bandh calls, sharing a Gauhati High Court order equating 'road blockades or rail blockades' to bandhs, deeming them illegal. 

Singh reiterated on 'X' emphasising the responsibility and accountability of those advocating for bandhs, citing the negative impact on Assam's Gross State Domestic Product (GSDP). The DGP warned that organizers would be held liable for the resulting losses, referencing Para 35(9) of the court order.

Singh's 'X' post read, “Reiterating my post of June 2022 about Bandh Calls and responsibility/accountability of those... loss from a day’s Bandh would be approximately INR 1643 Crores recoverable from those who call for such a Bandh in accordance with Para 35(9) of the aforementioned order of the Hon’ble Gauhati High Court order.”

The previous post from June 19, 2022, shared the comprehensive guidelines from the Gauhati High Court for organizations calling for an Assam bandh. Para 35(9) specifies that the state government will assess the loss incurred from the bandh or 'blockade' and collect the amount from the organizers.

According to Para 35(9), “Government of Assam... recoverable from the organizers and main office bearers of such bandh or blockade arrears of land revenue.” The recovered amount will be deposited into the Bandh Loss Compensation Fund, overseeing quick settlement of compensation claims for loss to person or property due to bandhs and blockades.

The DGP's firm stance aims to discourage disruptive activities, putting financial accountability on organizers, and aligning with the court's order.