Everything You Need to Know About the Maharashtra Bandh on August 24

A state-wide Maharashtra Bandh has been scheduled for August 24. This bandh is organized to protest the alleged sexual assault of two young girls at a school in Badlapur, Thane district.

Reason for the Bandh

The bandh aims to highlight the issue of women’s safety and push the government to take swift action in response to the incident. Uddhav Thackeray, leader of the Shiv Sena (UBT), emphasized that the bandh is crucial to address this serious issue and criticized those who downplay the protests.

Background

On August 17, an attendant at a Badlapur school was arrested for allegedly abusing two kindergarten girls. The incident has sparked widespread outrage and demands for justice in the local community. Buses and metros are expected to operate normally despite the bandh.

Schools and Colleges

The government has not announced any closures, so schools and colleges will remain open, except for those that are typically closed on Saturdays.

Banks

Banks will be closed nationwide on August 24 as it falls on the fourth Saturday of the month, in line with RBI rules. Banks are closed on the second and fourth Saturdays, as well as on Sundays, national holidays, and regional holidays.

Legal Actions

On August 22, the Bombay High Court began a suo motu (on its own) review of the case. The court assured that the investigation would be thorough and accurate.

Also read: MVA Calls for Maharashtra Bandh on August 24 Over Badlapur Incident

Previous Context: On August 21, a Bharat Bandh was observed across India to protest the Supreme Court's decision to exclude the "creamy layer" from SC/ST reservation benefits, affecting several states.