Excelsior Correspondent
JAMMU, Aug 1: Division Bench of High Court comprising Chief Justice Gita Mittal and Justice Sanjay Dhar has directed the Chief Secretary to ensure welfare and wellbeing of the traditional and folk artists.
The direction was passed in a Public Interest Litigation (PIL) on COVID-19 highlighting the difficulties being faced by several marginalized groups in the Union Territories of Jammu & Kashmir and Ladakh.
“The plight of this group which must be facing difficulties on account of lockdown restrictions and the need for social distancing has escaped our notice”, the DB said, adding “local artists and musicians which include amongst others the traditional bandwallas, Dholak players/artists also associated in marriage processions are an essential part of the festivities. The imposition of the lockdown has completely taken away the means of income of these artists”.
“It needs not much imagination to understand that the availability of works to these groups is at the best of time seasonal and sporadic. At the current time, they must be on the brink of ruining”, DB said.
Regarding plight of classical artists, Division Bench further observed, “it also does not need elaboration that as a result of social distancing norms and COVID-19 restrictions, performance in theatre has completely ceased. As a result, classical art forms in dance and music, which cater to audiences in theatre have come to a grinding halt”, adding “judicial notice can be taken of the measures which are being taken in foreign countries where public performances are being slowly reintroduced but in different format, say in open theatres in old building”.
Accordingly, the DB directed the Chief Secretary to place this issue before the appropriate authorities dealing with classical art and culture in the Union Territories of Jammu & Kashmir and Ladakh to look into the matter of preservation and promotion of the classical dance, music and art form.
“The Government must take steps for the welfare and well being of classical artists”, the DB said and sought a report in this regard before the next date of hearing.
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