Bharat Bandh on August 21 (representative image)
Photo: PTI
New Delhi: The Bachao Sangharsh Samiti has reportedly called for a ‘Bharat Bandh‘ (National strike) against the Supreme Court’s decision on SC/ST reservations. The protest has reportedly garnered support from SC/ST communities in Rajasthan.
Security has been tightened in several districts of the state, according to reports. Senior police officials have been ordered to ensure law and order in the state in the wake of the Bharat Bandh strike. The nationwide strike is likely to receive support from other parts of the country.
What was the Supreme Court ruling on SC/ST reservations?
Earlier this month, the Supreme Court upheld the sub-classification of scheduled castes and tribes. A seven-judge bench of the Supreme Court ruled that states are empowered to make sub-classifications of scheduled castes and tribes to provide quotas under the reserved category to improve the lot of the most disadvantaged castes.
The court delivered six separate judgments. Chief Justice of India DY Chandrachud said there are six judgments, all concurrent, while Justice Bela Trivedi dissented. The majority has reversed the judgment of EV Chinniah, which held that sub-classification is not permissible.
The bench, also comprising Justices BR Gavai, Vikram Nath, Bela M Trivedi, Pankaj Mithal, Manoj Misra and Satish Chandra Mishra, was hearing 23 petitions, including the main one filed by the Punjab government challenging the 2010 verdict of the Punjab and Haryana High Court.
What will remain open and what will close?
According to several media reports, the organisers of the Bharat Bandh rally have urged businesses to close their markets, but it remains unclear whether markets across the country will comply with this request. The rally is expected to cause disruptions to public transport and private offices. However, essential services such as emergency medical services, drinking water supply and electricity will continue to operate.
Government offices, banks, schools, colleges and petrol stations are expected to remain open despite the strike. Public transport and rail services are also expected to operate, although disruptions may occur. The overall impact of the strike will largely depend on the level of support from businesses and the response of local authorities.
Disclaimer:
The information contained in this post is for general information purposes only. We make no representations or warranties of any kind, express or implied, about the completeness, accuracy, reliability, suitability or availability with respect to the website or the information, products, services, or related graphics contained on the post for any purpose.
We respect the intellectual property rights of content creators. If you are the owner of any material featured on our website and have concerns about its use, please contact us. We are committed to addressing any copyright issues promptly and will remove any material within 2 days of receiving a request from the rightful owner.