Should the Bengal government find a new venue for the July 21 Martyr's Day rally?
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Synopsis
The Calcutta High Court has mandated that the West Bengal government consider a new venue for the annual July 21 Martyrs' Day rally, citing significant traffic disruptions as a reason. This decision could reshape the political landscape of the event starting in 2026, as the court seeks to balance political traditions with public convenience.
Key Takeaways
- The Calcutta High Court has urged the government to find a new venue for the rally.
- Current location causes significant traffic disruptions.
- Other political parties are not allowed to hold events at the same site.
- Justice Ghosh emphasized public convenience in his remarks.
- Future conditions for the rally will be set in the next hearing.
Kolkata, July 17 (NationPress) A single-judge bench of the Calcutta High Court declared on Thursday that the Trinamool Congress-led West Bengal government is required to consider an alternative location for its annual July 21 Martyrs' Day rally starting next year.
This rally is typically held at the busy crossroad of Esplanade, in front of the Calcutta Electric Supply Corporation House, which significantly disrupts the traffic flow in the area and on nearby roads throughout the day of the event.
The police are often compelled to release a traffic advisory to reroute vehicles for an extended duration.
Interestingly, other political parties are not granted permission by the police to organize any political events at this same site, leaving the Trinamool Congress as the sole political entity allowed.
This year, a group of petitioners approached the Calcutta High Court's single-judge bench, led by Justice Tirthankar Ghosh, raising concerns about why only one political party receives permission for a rally that inconveniences the public.
During the hearing on Thursday, Justice Ghosh remarked that while he would not mandate a venue change for this year's event at the last moment, the rally's organizers should contemplate a new location for future gatherings.
"A political party may have sentimental ties to a specific location. To my knowledge, the July 21 Martyrs' Day rally has been held here for years. However, how long can the public endure a political event that causes prolonged road closures?" Justice Ghosh questioned.
After attorneys for both the state government and the Trinamool Congress challenged the validity of the petition, describing it as "politically-motivated," Justice Ghosh inquired if Kolkata Police Commissioner Manoj Kumar Verma could provide a written assurance that there would be no traffic delays on the day of the rally.
"Responsibility must be assumed by someone," Justice Ghosh stated.
He also indicated that he would impose certain conditions on the rally in the next hearing scheduled for Friday.
Point of View
We recognize the importance of balancing political expression with public welfare. The Calcutta High Court's decision to urge the West Bengal government to reconsider the venue for the July 21 Martyrs' Day rally reflects a necessary approach to mitigate traffic inconveniences while preserving the democratic space for political gatherings. We stand by our commitment to report on issues that impact citizens' daily lives.
NationPress
17/07/2025
Frequently Asked Questions
Why is the July 21 Martyrs' Day rally held?
The July 21 Martyrs' Day rally commemorates those who lost their lives in political struggles and is a significant event for the Trinamool Congress.
What prompted the court to request a venue change?
The court received petitions highlighting the traffic chaos caused by the rally at its current location, leading to public inconvenience.
Will the venue change affect the rally's significance?
While the venue may change, the significance of the rally in honoring martyrs will remain, as the event’s essence is rooted in remembrance.
What are the implications for other political parties?
This ruling may open avenues for other political parties to request permission for events at the new venue, fostering a more inclusive political landscape.
When will the new venue be decided?
The court has suggested that the government should consider an alternative venue starting from next year’s rally.
