Will Calcutta HC Allow Suvendu Adhikari to Protest on Durga Puja Carnival Day?
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Synopsis
In a pivotal ruling, the Calcutta High Court has granted Suvendu Adhikari the right to hold a protest rally on October 5 regarding the tragic electrocution deaths in Kolkata. However, the court imposed strict conditions, including a limited number of participants and a specific time to avoid conflict with a major Durga Puja carnival happening nearby.
Key Takeaways
- Calcutta High Court grants conditional approval for the protest rally.
- The protest focuses on the electrocution deaths resulting from severe weather conditions.
- The number of participants is limited to 3,000 to ensure safety and order.
- Timing of the rally is adjusted to accommodate a nearby cultural event.
Kolkata, Oct 3 (NationPress) A vacation bench of the Calcutta High Court has granted permission for Suvendu Adhikari, the opposition leader in the West Bengal assembly, to organize a protest rally in central Kolkata on October 5. This rally addresses the tragic electrocution deaths that occurred during a severe downpour in the city.
The fatalities resulted from individuals making contact with live electrical wires that were submerged in floodwaters. A group affiliated with the BJP initiated the protest to be led by Suvendu Adhikari.
Initially, the Kolkata Police denied permission, citing that a large Durga Puja carnival would also take place that evening at Red Road, featuring participation from 113 award-winning community Durga Puja committees and Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee.
The organization subsequently sought permission from the High Court.
During the hearing on Friday afternoon, Justice Biswaroop Chowdhury granted conditional approval for the protest rally on October 5.
Justice Chowdhury remarked on the unfortunate nature of the electrocution deaths, supporting the need for the rally.
However, the court limited the rally to occur between 2 p.m. and 5 p.m. to accommodate the carnival scheduled for that evening nearby.
The maximum number of participants was capped at 3,000, despite the organization's request for 5,000 participants.
Point of View
We recognize the delicate balance between civic expression and public safety. The Calcutta High Court's decision reflects a commitment to addressing community grievances while ensuring that cultural celebrations proceed without disruption. This ruling underscores the importance of accountability in governance and the need for rigorous public safety measures.
NationPress
03/10/2025
Frequently Asked Questions
What prompted the protest rally by Suvendu Adhikari?
The protest rally was initiated in response to tragic electrocution deaths that occurred during heavy rainfall in Kolkata.
What restrictions were placed on the protest rally?
The Calcutta High Court limited the protest rally to a timeframe of 2 p.m. to 5 p.m. and capped the number of participants at 3,000.
Why did the Kolkata Police initially deny permission for the rally?
The Kolkata Police denied permission due to the scheduling of a large Durga Puja carnival on the same evening.
