Did the Calcutta HC Grant Former Army Officers the Right to Protest Against CM Banerjee's Statements?
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Synopsis
In a significant ruling, the Calcutta High Court has permitted former army officers to protest against Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee's controversial remarks. The officers claim her statements undermine their service, prompting them to seek legal recourse. This incident highlights the ongoing tensions between political statements and military conduct in India.
Key Takeaways
- Calcutta High Court permits former army officers' protest.
- Protest is against Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee's remarks.
- The incident highlights tensions between politics and military.
- Banerjee accused the BJP of misusing the army.
- Kolkata Police initiated legal action post-incident.
Kolkata, Sep 4 (NationPress) The Calcutta High Court granted permission on Thursday for former army officers to stage a dharna in response to remarks made by Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee about their service.
During the hearing of their petition, a bench headed by Justice Tirthankar Ghosh sanctioned their demonstration on Mayo Road next Monday.
A group of former army personnel had approached the High Court, claiming that the Kolkata Police had denied them permission to organize a sit-in protest. They requested authorization to express their dissent against the Chief Minister's comments regarding the army. After considering their arguments, the court permitted their protest.
On the previous Monday, Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee accused the BJP-led Central government of misusing the army after its personnel dismantled a stage set up by the Trinamool Congress to protest the treatment of Bengali-speaking migrant workers in BJP-ruled states.
The army began taking down the Trinamool's stage, which was placed next to the Gandhi statue in the central Kolkata Maidan area, an area under army jurisdiction. However, upon learning of the situation, Chief Minister Banerjee quickly arrived at the scene to protest the army's actions. The soldiers halted their dismantling efforts and vacated the area upon her arrival.
"As I approached, around 200 army personnel fled upon seeing me. I asked: Why are you retreating? You are my allies. We take pride in you. It is not your fault. You acted on the orders of the BJP and Delhi. I hold no blame against the army," she stated.
"I do not blame the army, but the BJP's retaliatory politics lie at the root of this. The double-engine government of the BJP is responsible. They are exploiting the Army. This action is unethical, undemocratic, and a clear abuse of power by the BJP. The Army should have consulted the Kolkata Police before dismantling the stage. They could have contacted me, and I would have removed it in just a few minutes."
The day after this incident, the Kolkata Police filed a case concerning traffic rule violations and initiated legal proceedings against the driver of the army truck, which nearly collided with the vehicle of Kolkata Police Commissioner Manoj Verma.
Point of View
It is imperative to recognize the delicate balance between political discourse and the military's role in society. The High Court's decision reflects the judicial system's commitment to uphold the rights of individuals while also addressing the complex dynamics of governance and military involvement in civil matters. The Nation stands firmly with the principle of democracy and the protection of all citizens' rights.
NationPress
04/09/2025
Frequently Asked Questions
What prompted the former army officers to protest?
The protest was initiated in response to Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee's remarks that former army personnel felt undermined their service.
What did the Calcutta High Court rule?
The Calcutta High Court allowed the former army officers to hold a dharna on Mayo Road next Monday.
What accusations did Mamata Banerjee make against the BJP?
Mamata Banerjee accused the BJP-led Central government of misusing the army for political gains.
Where was the protest stage set up?
The protest stage was set up beside the Gandhi statue in the Maidan area of central Kolkata.
What actions did the Kolkata Police take following the incident?
The Kolkata Police registered a case related to traffic rule violations against the driver of the army truck involved in the incident.
