Gujjar Mahapanchayat: SC notices for protection of traders

New Delhi, Aug 24 (UNI) The Supreme Court today issued notices to the Union Home Secretary, states of Rajasthan, Uttar Pradesh, Haryana, Delhi and Punjab and Col Kirori Bainsala, President Gujjar Mahasabha and three others on a petition filed by joint Business Association, district Jhalawar, Rajasthan and four other Traders Organisations seeking directions to the respondents to provide adequate protection on August 25 and 26 when Gujjar Mahapanchayat is going to be held at Jhalarapatan.

A bench comprising Chief Justice KG Balakrishnan and Justices Tarun Chaterjee and RV Raveendran issued the notices after hearing PK Garg counsel for the petitioners who contended that large scale violence is apprehended during Mahapanchayat and authorities may be directed to provide adequate protection to the lives and properties of the members of petitioners.

Gujjars are demanding that Rajasthan Government should write a letter to the Centre recommending ST status for Gujjars in Rajasthan like Meenas.

UNI