Maharashtra Bandh Petition Filed in HC

Mumbai: Advocate Gunaratna Sadavarte has filed a petition in the Bombay High Court challenging the legality of the Maharashtra Bandh called by the opposition Maha Vikas Aghadi (MVA) alliance. Representing the state government, Sadavarte has urged the court to take strict action against participants in the strike, which is set to take place on Saturday, August 24. The court is currently hearing the case, with implications for the planned protest. In contrast, MVA leaders, including Uddhav Thackeray and Sharad Pawar, have encouraged citizens to join the bandh, emphasizing the need for justice for women amid rising sexual assault cases. Thackeray, the Shiv Sena (UBT) chief, called for widespread participation, stating, "You may belong to any religion but make the bandh successful." He asserted that the protest is not politically motivated but rather a response to public safety concerns, particularly regarding the safety of girls in schools. The call for the bandh follows significant protests against the sexual assault of two minor girls in Badlapur, which has sparked outrage across the state. MVA leaders have expressed that the incident has tarnished Maharashtra's image, with Congress President Nana Patole alleging attempts to suppress the matter due to its connections with the RSS. Meanwhile, Shiv Sena (UBT) leader Sanjay Raut highlighted the public's agitation, noting that FIRs have been filed against those demanding justice for the victims.