Calcutta High Court Grants Permission for Protest Rally Amid Durga Puja Festivities

Court Decision on Protest Rally

The Calcutta High Court has authorized a rally organized by a group affiliated with the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) in response to the tragic deaths of 12 individuals due to rain-related incidents last month in the city and its surroundings.

Initially, the Kolkata police denied permission to the group named 'Khola Hawa', citing that the rally coincides with the state government's Durga Puja celebrations.

Justice Biswarup Choudhury's vacation bench heard the organization's petition and instructed the police to allow 'Khola Hawa' to hold the protest at 'Dorina Crossing'.

However, the court stipulated that the rally must not exceed 3,000 participants and should take place between 2 PM and 5 PM instead of the originally proposed 4 PM.

Justice Choudhury also emphasized that necessary adjustments to the rally route should be made to avoid disrupting immersion processions and festive displays.

The petitioner's lawyer argued before the court on Friday that the Durga Puja festivities should not be a reason to deny permission for the protest.

He pointed out that the court had previously allowed a medical professionals' platform to demonstrate against the rape and murder of an intern at RG Kar Medical College and Hospital last year.

In contrast, the state's lawyer opposed the petition, arguing that granting permission for the rally could lead to police disruptions and potential law and order issues.