Celebration at public cost not justified: HC

Jaipur, Dec 17(UNI) The Rajasthan High Court has come down heavily on the issue of inconvenience caused due to the four year- celebration of the Vasundhara Raje government in the state on December 8 saying, ''all the political parties and the organisers have to rethink and introspect whether such celebrations are justified''.

The court framed five significant questions on the issue of political rallies and issued show cause notices to the Chief Secretary, Director General of Police, District Collector Jaipur and Jaipur Municipal Corporation.

The court took cognisance of a letter addressed to Justice Parihar written by one Pawan Godra a resident of the Civil Lines area of the capital, who alleged that the rally organised on completion of four years of the Raje government at 'Amroodom ka Bag' caused great hardship to the general public at large and put a heavy burden on the state exchequer.

Taking suo moto congnisance of the letter written to the High Court, the judge observed, ''Allegations made in the letter and news paper reports annexed thereto relating to the December 8 celebrations speak volumes for itself and may shock the conscience of any right thinking person. The present celebration was no less than a 'bandh'. The whole city life came to a stand.

The local administration and police authorities appreared to be totally helpless and ineffective. The court cannot be a silent spectator binding hands tightly behind the back. Some handful of people can not be allowed to take the entire public for a ride,'' the court said.

The court directed the registry to place the matter before a Division bench as a Public Interest Litigation for further action and orders.

UNI