Mint Explainer: The huge economic disruption that protests can cause
₹500 crore for local industries, particularly micro, small and medium businesses, in states such as Punjab and Haryana, and border areas of the National Capital Region (NCR). The disruption caused by the government’s road blockades has not only caused traffic issues but also hampered critical distribution networks, affecting the livelihoods of residents and commuters. India boasts a rich history of protests dating back to the Independence movement.
From the 1857 rebellion to the nonviolent Gandhian satyagrahas, protests have played a pivotal role in shaping the national consciousness. Significant protests since Independence include the anti-Hindi movement, the Assam movement, the Navnirman Andolan, the Mandal Commission protests, the Telangana movement, the Narmada Bachao Andolan, the Singur protests, the anti-CAA protests, and local ones such as the Jat reservation movement and the Maratha reservation protests. Recently, protests have erupted over issues such as the Agniveer scheme and the minimum support price paid to farmers.
Various forms of protests like bandh, hartals, chakka jams, have been used extensively by political parties, interest groups, and civil society to put pressure on governments. However, these protests can also cause significant economic disruption and losses. Courts have deemed some calls for bandhs and hartals illegal, recognising that they can encroach on the rights of others.
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