CJ to engage politicians,civil society in debate on citizens’ duties

“Politicians,students and youths are the bigger stakeholders when it comes to the fundamental duty of citizens. After all,who will protect public property? And why should we not abjure violence?

“Shimla is the most appropriate place for such a serious debate,” said Joseph.

A participant at the event,former state BJP chief Suresh Bhardwaj,said: “It is normally seen that protesters resort to violence and damage public property to fight for their fundamental rights. They completely forget their fundamental duty to safeguard public property. There is a need to create mass awareness on the issue.”

CPM state Secretariat member Tikender Singh Panwar — who is set to take part on the debate — admits that peaceful protests are an effective tool to fight for fundamental duties. “Is there any other option?” he asks when questioned about the recent violence at the HPU campus.

Though the colloquium is ninth in the series being held in town at the Chief Justice’s initiative,this is the first time when politicians have been invited. Among others,the event will see state Congress president Kaul Singh Thakur,BJP’s Shimla MLA Suresh Bhardwaj and other leaders speaking on the issue. Student bodies representative from NSUI,ABVP and the SFI will also participate in the meet.

On the judicial side,Joseph will be accompanied by Justice R B Mishra,executive chairman of the State Legal Services Authority,and Justice V K Sharma.