Kerala HC bans hartal without prior notice of 7 days.

Preventing the citizens from moving or taking the vehicle on the road, a trader from opening his shop, a worker from going to his work and bring the state to stand still is the violation of principles of democracy adopted by the constitution. Entire business of commercial establishments are affected.

Amid protests over the Sabarimala issue, the Kerala High Court on Monday said no strike can be called in the state without prior notice of at least seven days.

The court made the comment while hearing a petition moved by the Kerala Chamber of Commerce and Industry and Thrissur-based NGO ‘Malayala Vedi against hartals’ against shutdowns in the state.

Condemning the practice of calling flash strikes, a division bench of Chief Justice Hrishikesh Roy and Justice A K Jayasankaran Nambiar observed if prior notice is not given, people can approach the court and the government can take adequate measures to deal with the situation.

“Political parties, organisations and individuals who call for hartals are bound to give seven days prior notice,” the court said.