While Bandhs have mostly been peaceful, India’s history also records several instances of bandhs causing loss of lives. The country has seen violent protests during bandhs where people were injured and some lost their lives. Hence debates arise about whether bandhs should be banned altogether.
A bandh is a form of protest, almost like civil disobedience. When such a bandh is called, people are expected to stay inside their homes without going to schools or jobs. This might be called for just a city, state or the entire nation.
The main motive behind such strikes or bandhs is the opposition to any government decision. Generally, the opposition party or the common people go into such strikes or bandhs. The sole reason is to attract the attention of the government. It makes them aware of the consequences of their decision.
Why should bandhs be banned?
People argue that people might have the right to protest, but they don’t have the right to take away others’ fundamental rights. Everyone might not be against the changes made by the government. Hence stopping everyone from doing their work or job is not democratic.
Additionally, Bandhs cause a lot of inconveniences. People might face medical or personal emergencies which are interrupted. Daily wage labourers are at a loss and face severe problems. Furthermore, most bandhs result in violence and end with the loss of lives. Some political parties deliberately set fire to public property, and destroy vehicles and common people are injured.
Why should a ban on bandhs be opposed?
Bandhs are one of the only strong ways to protest against truly undemocratic decisions of the government. Moreover, politicians say banning bandhs will be followed by banning protests altogether.
Furthermore, the supreme court rejected a petition filed in 2017 regarding the banning of bandhs. It said that the right to protest is a significant and valuable fundamental right.
