Nobody who destroys public property and holds country to ransom during agitations must escape accountability, said the Supreme Court on Wednesday proposing to even frame parameters to ensure any person or political organisation responsible for such acts is made to pay the price.
The comments by the top court came while hearing a bail plea filed by Gujarat Patidar Anamat Andolan Samiti (PAAS) leader Hardik Patel. Accused of causing a State-wide agitation demanding reservation for Patels in jobs and education, Hardik is facing charge of sedition for his statements allegedly inciting people to go against the police and State Government in meeting their demands.
The Bench of Justices JS Khehar and C Nagappan said, “The country must know that nobody can hold the country to ransom during agitations. Whether it is the BJP, the Congress or any other organisation, they must realise that they can be held accountable for the damage caused to public property.” The strong words from the Bench come in the recent backdrop of agitation by Jats in Haryana, who blocked trains, torched buses, left parts of Delhi high and dry by damaging the water supplying Munak canal, and caused mayhem on roads by digging up national highways and destroying shops and showrooms.
The Bench was shocked to note, “Where is our country goingIJ You just cannot burn the property of the country or its citizens. We must take a call on the issue and we may frame guidelines for taking action against people indulging in such acts.”
As Attorney-General Mukul Rohatgi was appearing for Gujarat in the case, the Bench said that it intended to lay down parameters for fixing accountability if the Government did not intend to lay down the same.
The matter was posted for hearing on Thursday as Hardik’s lawyer sought adjournment to argue on his bail. Rohatgi said the chargesheet has been filed against Patel and as regard his bail, the matter was pending before the Sessions Court.