Will the Calcutta HC Take Action Against Humayun Kabir's Proposal for a 'Babri Mosque' in Murshidabad?
Synopsis
Key Takeaways
- Calcutta High Court declines to intervene in a PIL regarding the proposed Babri Mosque.
- Humayun Kabir's stone-laying ceremony is set for December 6.
- Concerns over potential unrest in a sensitive area were raised.
- State and Union governments are directed to maintain law and order.
- Trinamool Congress suspended Kabir for his controversial remarks.
Kolkata, Dec 5 (NationPress) On Friday, the Calcutta High Court decided not to intervene in a public interest litigation (PIL) contesting the proposal made by suspended Trinamool Congress MLA Humayun Kabir to build a "Babri Mosque" in Beldanga, Murshidabad, inspired by the original structure in Ayodhya.
A division bench consisting of Acting Chief Justice Sujoy Paul and Justice Partha Sarathi Sen opted not to consider the plea, instructing Kabir to conduct the stone-laying ceremony for the mosque on December 6 in strict compliance with law-and-order regulations.
Additionally, the court mandated the West Bengal government and police to ensure that the law and order remains intact during the event.
During the proceedings, state government counsel assured the court that necessary measures would be implemented to adhere to its directives.
Representing the petitioner, senior advocate and CPI(M) Rajya Sabha member Bikash Ranjan Bhattacharya cautioned that the event could lead to significant law and order issues in the sensitive region.
"The location designated for the event is exceptionally sensitive, with a history of tension and violence. In the past, even central armed forces were deployed there," Bhattacharya articulated.
The division bench also instructed the Union Government to assist the state government in maintaining peace on the event day.
Controversy has intensified over the land in Beldanga identified by Kabir for the mosque's construction. The land's owner, a local farmer, has publicly stated he will neither sell the land nor permit the construction of a Babri Masjid.
Despite this, Kabir has issued a defiant statement, asserting he would "give his life" to ensure the mosque is built if necessary.
On Thursday, the Trinamool Congress expelled Kabir from the party. Urban Development Minister and Kolkata Mayor Firhad Hakim stated that Kabir's comments incited religious sentiments and represented a significant breach of party discipline.
"The party will sever ties with Kabir. By announcing the construction of the Babri Mosque, he has attempted to rekindle the painful memories associated with the original Babri Mosque from 1992. We suspect that the BJP may be involved in his recent actions, aiming to fan the flames of divisive politics with Kabir in the spotlight," Hakim remarked on Thursday.