Kochi : Conducting a hartal at a time when relief activities for the floods are going on in Kerala was inappropriate, the High Court said on Monday.
A division bench comprising Chief Justice Hrishikesh Roy and AK Jayasankaran Nambiar also expressed concern whether such hartals would affect the rehabilitation efforts currently going on post floods.
A hartal was conducted by the Congress-led United Democratic Front and the ruling CPM-led Left Democratic Front on Monday against the rising fuel prices in the country.
The court's comments came while hearing a petition filed by Ringoo Cherian of Ranni, who is the vice president of Pathanamthitta District Congress Committee, through advocate V Philip Mathews.
During the hearing the bench also pointed out that the roads were seen empty in the morning and that functioning of offices and public transport systems such as KSRTC have been affected by the hartal.
The court has also directed that the review meeting regarding the flood, conducted by the Disaster Management Authority and the revenue and irrigation departments should consider the suggestions put forward by the amicus curiae appointed by the court.
In the petition filed, preparation of emergency action plans or disaster management plans for dams across Pamba river and publication of inundation maps in accordance with the Disaster Management Act is being sought. A specific disaster management plan for Sabarimala, Triveni and Pamba for the pilgrims is also being sought.
Other demands include prevention of further damage or destruction in Pathanamthitta and Alappuzha districts due to flood or excess rain, maintaining sufficient buffer space to accommodate extreme flow of flood water in dams, restoration of facilities at Sabarimala and surrounding areas and appointment of a tribunal or other expert body to assess damage and pay compensation to flood victims.