A division bench of Justice JN Patel and Justice KK Tated observed that the government should incorporate these guidelines into legislations such as the Bombay Police Act.

The court was hearing a petition filed by Varsha Deshpande, a Satara-based lawyer, alleging that authorities did not take necessary action during the three bandhs that took place in the district in 2007. Her lawyer Udya Warunjkar pointed out that despite the 2004 guidelines of the HC, authorities did nothing. As for the bandhs in Satara, the court has sought report from district police superintendent in four weeks.

The guidelines were framed by a division bench led by Justice AP Shah in a July 2004 judgement, which imposed a penalty of Rs 40 lakh on Shiv Sena and BJP for a bandh.

The guidelines include, among other things, a notice to the organisation/political party calling the bandh pointing out that it would be liable for any loss of life, injury, or loss of livelihood on account of the bandh.

The court on Wednesday observed in the order: “There have been recurring instances of bandh called by political parties (after the 2004 judgement).” The court further observed that the party members have indulged in violent activities and the state has failed to take concrete steps to prevent it.

The court has directed that henceforth no party would be allowed to call a bandh or a rally or protest in any other form which may disturb public order.