Bill to regulate harthals proposes fine on police officials

Thiruvananthapuram: Kerala Assembly, meeting from November 30 to December 17, will take up a Bill to regulate harthals in the State and fine police officials failing to provide protection to citizens during harthals. The Cabinet cleared the draft Bill on Friday for introduction in the Assembly.

The Bill seeks to specify that forced closure of shops and blocking the movement of vehicles or employees and workers reporting for duty will be a punishable offence attracting six months’ imprisonment or a fine of Rs. 10000 or both. Persons obstructing people from visiting hospitals, hotels, educational institutions and petrol pumps will also attract prosecution. A fine of Rs. 10000 will be imposed on police and other agencies failing to provide protection to citizens.

The Bill seeks to prohibit flash harthals . Harthals could be organised only after giving three days’ notice through media. Functioning of hospitals, health clinics, medical shops and pharmacy; distribution of milk, newspapers, fish, water and food and operation of ambulances and vehicles belonging to hospitals should be allowed. No threat, concern or loss should arise about the life and property of people.

The law will require the organisers to deposit an amount in advance to provide compensation to loss of life or property during harthal. The harthal should not be forced upon the people through threats of any kind. Functioning Public institutions including educational and charitable institutions should not be obstructed. Breach of law and order should not occur.

The Bill seeks to specify six months’ imprisonment or a fine of Rs. 10000 or both for those organising harthals in disregard to its provisions.

The Home Department drafted the Bill in view complaints and representations received by the government regarding hardships to public caused by harthals and the directives of the High Court on imposing restrictions on harthals.

Home Minister Ramesh Chennithala had sought the opinions of the public and political, social and cultural leaders on the proposed Bill.