Did the Calcutta HC Just Uphold the Right to Protest for R.G. Kar Victim's Parents?

Synopsis
Key Takeaways
- Calcutta High Court upholds the right to protest.
- 'Nabanna Avijan' marks a year since the tragedy.
- Victim's parents call for justice.
- Political support is mobilized for the march.
- Government's accountability is in focus.
Kolkata, Aug 7 (NationPress) A division bench of the Calcutta High Court recently decided against imposing a ban on the upcoming Nabanna Avijan (March to the State Secretariat), organized by the parents of the R.G. Kar rape and murder victim, scheduled for August 9. This date marks the somber first anniversary of the tragic incident involving a junior woman doctor within the hospital premises last year.
The hearing regarding the petition to halt the protest was concluded on Thursday afternoon by the high court's division bench, consisting of Justice Sujoy Paul and Justice Smita Das.
While the bench kept its order reserved initially, it was later announced on Thursday evening.
Furthermore, the court emphasized that the right to peaceful assembly is fundamental, asserting that no individual can be denied this right.
On August 6, a petition was submitted to the Calcutta High Court seeking intervention to prevent the Nabanna Avijan on August 9.
The victim's body was discovered in a seminar hall within the hospital premises on the morning of August 9.
The parents of the victim have called for the rally to the State Secretariat, inviting all political entities in the state, excluding the Trinamool Congress, to join, but without their party flags.
Suvendu Adhikari, the West Bengal Leader of the Opposition and a senior leader of the BJP, who initially suggested this movement with the victim's parents, has extended his complete support for the protest.
On the preceding Wednesday, Adhikari criticized the West Bengal government for allegedly deploying its entire police force to obstruct the march.
He claimed that a special police meeting was held on Wednesday evening, attended by nearly all top IPS officers of the West Bengal Police.
In a post on his official social media, Adhikari, without naming Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee, noted that she had left the city for events in Jhargram after mobilizing police to secure the State Secretariat.
“A year after the horrific incident that befell their child, Abhaya's parents have initiated the Nabanna Avijan to demand accountability from the state's police and Health Minister for their shortcomings. Yet, it appears the Chief Minister has absconded the city on the excuse of an administrative event in Jhargram!” he alleged.