Bombay High Court Halts Maharashtra Bandh Scheduled for August 24

The Bombay High Court has restrained political parties and individuals from proceeding with the Maharashtra bandh scheduled for August 24. The decision comes after petitions challenged the bandh called by the opposition Maha Vikas Aghadi (MVA) to protest against a sexual assault incident. Compliance with a 2004 HC judgment was emphasized.

The Bombay High Court on Friday restrained political parties and individuals from proceeding with the Maharashtra bandh scheduled for August 24 or on any future date.

The opposition Maha Vikas Aghadi (MVA) alliance had called for a shutdown across the state on Saturday to protest against the alleged sexual assault of two kindergarten girls at a school in Badlapur in Thane district. The MVA comprises the Shiv Sena (UBT), the Congress, and the Sharad Pawar-led NCP (SP).

A division bench of Chief Justice D K Upadhyaya and Justice Amit Borkar said it was restraining any political party or individuals from proceeding with the call for a bandh and said the Maharashtra government shall take all necessary preventive steps.

(With inputs from agencies.)