HC turns down plea to ban Oct 1 bandh in TN

Chennai, Sep 28 (UNI) Turning down the Opposition AIADMK's plea to ban the October one bandh called by the DMK-led DPA, Madras High Court today directed the Tamil Nadu Government to ensure normal life remained unaffected on the day.

The bandh was called by the DPA for speedy implementation of the Sethusamudram Shipping Canal Project (SSCP).

A Division Bench comprising Chief Justice A P Shah and Mr Justice P Jyotimani said ''prima facie we find substance that DMK and its allies have called for a bandh and not a strike or hartal.'' Admitting the petitions filed by the AIADMK, Janata Party and Social Activist ''Traffic'' Ramaswamy, the Bench ordered notices to the respondent political parties and posted the case to October 24 for further hearing.

The Bench directed the government to ensure smooth running of all public transport, including civil aviation.

While directing the government to issue advertisements in the media explaining the steps taken to ensure normal life during the bandh, the court also said strict action should be taken against those indulging in stopping or interfering with the transport or free movement of citizens.

UNI