Calcutta HC Approves Dual Ram Navami Processions in Howrah, Bengal

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Calcutta HC Approves Dual Ram Navami Processions in Howrah, Bengal

Synopsis

The Calcutta High Court has granted permission to the Anjani Putra Sena and Vishwa Hindu Parishad to organize two processions in Howrah, West Bengal, for Ram Navami on April 6. Various conditions have been imposed to ensure peace and order during the events.

Key Takeaways

  • Calcutta HC allows APS and VHP processions.
  • Events scheduled for April 6.
  • Combined attendance limited to 1,000.
  • Ban on metallic weapons and DJs.
  • Participants' identities must be disclosed.

Kolkata, April 4 (NationPress) The Calcutta High Court on Friday authorized two organizations, Anjani Putra Sena (APS) and Vishwa Hindu Parishad (VHP), to hold two processions in the Howrah district of West Bengal on the occasion of Ram Navami scheduled for April 6.

These organizations approached the Calcutta High Court’s single-judge bench led by Justice Tirthankar Ghosh after the police had previously denied their request based on historical precedents in these areas concerning Ram Navami processions.

Justice Ghosh ruled in favor of the rallies and noted that if there are tensions during Durga Puja in specific areas, it does not halt the festivities.

He raised questions about whether tension is a frequent occurrence in the mentioned regions and pointed out that the state police's image could suffer if law and order issues arise.

Justice Ghosh further remarked that if law and order concerns justify denying permission, then there should be a prohibition on all types of processions, including political demonstrations.

Nonetheless, the single-judge bench set forth several conditions for the two processions. According to the court's directive, the APS procession is to occur between 8 a.m. and 1 p.m. on April 6, while the VHP procession is scheduled from 3 p.m. to 6 p.m. on the same day.

The combined attendance for both rallies must not exceed 1,000 participants. No metallic weapons are permitted at the events, and the identities of all attendees must be reported to the police.

Additionally, there is a prohibition on using DJs during the processions, and the organizers must guarantee that no inflammatory remarks are made during the events.