By Ashraf Padanna
Gulf Times Correspondent
Thiruvananthapuram

Kerala’s Congress-led United Democratic Front (UDF) government has decided to bring legislation to ban shutdowns.
Those blocking roads and forcing shops and workplaces to close during shutdowns will face six months in jail and a fine of Rs10,000.
Home Minister Ramesh Chennithala will pilot the bill in the state assembly during the winter session beginning on November 30.
The decision follows politicians frequently calling shutdowns which have hit the state’s economy, especially tourism.
 “Those preventing the public from attending offices, hospitals, schools and hotels would also face similar punishment,” Chief Minister Oommen Chandy’s office said in a press release.
The bill will completely ban flash strikes, and those who look to use shutdowns as means of protest should publicise it at least three days in advance, the release added.
They should avoid issuing calls to shut hospitals, clinics, pharmacies and medical stores and distribution of milk, newspaper, fish, water and food.
They should also deposit money in advance with the government to compensate for the damages their followers could cause public properties.
“Police and other agencies should help and protect people (from protesters). If the officials fail in their duty, they will be fined up to Rs10,000,” the release said.
Meanwhile, Chennithala surprised all by posting the entire draft bill on Facebook in violation of the Assembly rules against putting draft proposals in the public domain before getting the approval of the legislative secretariat.
In 2012, the then speaker G Karthikeyan reprimanded V T Balram for posting a draft “private member’s bill before being introduced in the House saying it was against rules.
Chennithala had last month taken to Facebook proposing such a law and the post went viral with 2.2mn people visiting the page in three days. It also received extensive support with most respondents congratulating the minister.
Some, however, remain skeptical. Attempts by the Kerala High Court made a little impact with the government failing to heed.
Despite several leaders, including MP Shashi Tharoor and state Congress vice-president M M Hassan, coming out against shutdowns, political parties continue to resort to the tactic.