Guwahati: Gauhati HC has directed Assam govt to respond to a petition seeking the preservation, protection and regulation of mobile theatre, along with artists’ welfare and international recognition.A bench comprising Chief Justice Ashutosh Kumar and Justice Arun Dev Choudhury heard the petition on Wednesday and directed the state govt to file its response by the next hearing on Nov 25.Advocate and petitioner Sandeep Chamaria said the PIL seeks directions to govt for the preservation, regulation and global recognition of Assam’s mobile theatre, popularly known as “Bhramyaman Theatre”.He said the institution, which he described as unique, has for decades taken live drama, music and dance to towns and villages across the state, using cinematic stagecraft.Chamaria said mobile theatre has come under threat in recent years and that there is no dedicated, enforceable policy or statutory framework to regulate safety, performance quality or artists’ welfare.He said that although the Assam Mobile Theatre (Regulation and Artists’ Welfare Fund) Act, 2010 was enacted to address these concerns, its provisions have not been implemented. He alleged there is no mandatory registration of troupes, no transparent functioning of the welfare fund, no statutory grievance-redressal system, and no regular enforcement of safety standards. He said occasional govt schemes such as Silpi Sambardhana grants or ex-gratia aid have been temporary and insufficient.
