Legal Notice Issued Against United Opposition Forum for Proposed Hartal
Guwahati, March 12, 2024: In a significant development, the Deputy Commissioner of Police in Assam has taken legal action against the United Opposition Forum under Section 152 of the Criminal Procedure Code, 1973. The move comes in response to the Forum’s call for a unified protest against the Citizenship Amendment Act (CAA).
According to the legal notice issued by the Deputy Commissioner of Police, concerns have been raised about the Forum’s announcement of a “Sarbatmak Hartal” in Assam on March 12, 2024, from 6 AM to 6 PM. The notice states that such a protest could potentially disrupt peace and security, causing inconvenience to law-abiding citizens in the state.
Highlighting the potential consequences of the planned protest, the Deputy Commissioner’s notice outlines the likelihood of road blockades, forced closure of shops, and damage to public and private property, including railway and NHAI infrastructure. These disruptions, if realized, would severely impact the delivery of essential services.
The notice emphasizes the illegality and unconstitutionality of the proposed protests, citing judgments from various courts, including the Gauhati High Court. It further warns of legal action against both individuals and organizations if they fail to withdraw the planned protest, with the primary goal of maintaining peace in the state.
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The document refers to specific court orders, such as the one issued by the Gauhati High Court in Writ Petition(C) 7570/2013 dated 19/03/2019, declaring highway and railway track blockades as illegal and unconstitutional.
The Deputy Commissioner’s directive concludes by urging the United Opposition Forum to withdraw the “Sarbatmak Hartal” and cooperate in maintaining peace. Failure to comply with this order will result in legal action being taken against individuals in their personal capacity. Additionally, the notice warns that any damage to public or private property, including railway and national highway assets, during the protest will lead to legal consequences, with the cost of damages to be recovered from the Forum and its members.
This legal notice underscores the authorities’ commitment to upholding the rule of law and preventing potential disruptions to public life in the state of Assam.
