The Kerala High Court condemned political parties for organizing a flash hartal in Wayanad, a region struggling to recover from a recent landslide. The court criticized the lack of sensitivity shown by political entities during a time of crisis and emphasized the detrimental impact of such actions on relief operations and daily life.
Background:
Wayanad has been grappling with severe landslides caused by heavy rains, resulting in widespread damage to property and infrastructure. Relief and rehabilitation efforts were underway when political parties called for a sudden hartal, disrupting aid distribution and normal activities in the region. The hartal was reportedly organized to protest against administrative issues unrelated to the disaster.
Court’s Rationale:
The court observed that organizing hartals in disaster-stricken areas reflects a disregard for the plight of affected individuals. It emphasized that such actions hinder relief efforts and exacerbate the difficulties faced by residents. The bench urged political parties to act responsibly and prioritize the welfare of citizens over political agendas.
Existing Measures:
Kerala has laws regulating hartals, requiring organizers to give prior notice and ensure they do not disrupt essential services. Despite these regulations, flash hartals are often announced without due process, leading to inconvenience and chaos.
Conclusion:
The court’s remarks serve as a stern reminder to political parties to exercise restraint during emergencies. It underlines the importance of maintaining sensitivity and cooperation in disaster-hit areas to ensure timely and effective relief measures for affected populations.