No Odisha bandh, only hartal or peaceful protest allowed: High Court

Cuttack: In the wake of Odisha Bandh called by Congress tomorrow, the Orissa High Court Thursday prohibited political parties from observing bandh.

The court said bandh is not permitted and is illegal.

But if the party wants, it can organise a hartal the court observed.

As per the Supreme Court ruling, a bandh could not be enforced on the citizens.

A Cuttack-based businessman had filed the petition against the Congress’ bandh call on November 12. The party is seeking justice for deceased lady teacher Mamita Meher who was allegedly murdered in Kalahandi district.  

After the directive of the High Court, Congress spokesperson Satya Nayak clarified on the party’s Odisha bandh call.  

“We have called for a peaceful protest. We have never imposed this shutdown on anyone. Our senior leader Chiranjib Biswal apprised this to the Court,” he said.