Don't pay taxes, launch non-cooperation movement, if govt fails to curb corruption: HC

Corruption is as a "hydra-headed monster", it is high time citizens came together against it, said the HC.

Nagpur: In observations that are sure to trigger a big debate, the Nagpur bench of Bombay High Court expressed serious concern over the growing number of corruption cases and called on the citizens to launch a non-cooperation movement if the government fails to curb it.

Justice Arun Chaudhari made the comments while hearing a case concerning embezzlement of funds worth Rs 385 crore in Lokshahir Annabhau Sathe Vikas Mahamandal (LASVM), an organisation that works for the Matang community which falls under the scheduled caste.

"The taxpayers are in deep anguish. Let the government as well as mandarins in corridors of power understand their excruciating pain and anguish. They have been suffering for over two decades in the state. There is an onerous responsibility on those who govern to prove to taxpayers that eradication of corruption would not turn out to be a forlorn hope for them," The Times of India quoted Justice Chaudhari as saying.

The judge termed corruption as a "hydra-headed monster" and said it is high time citizens came together against it. "The miasma (unholy atmosphere) of corruption can be beaten if all work together. If it continues, taxpayers' should refuse to pay taxes through a non-cooperation movement," the TOI report adds.