The Calcutta High Court grants Suvendu Adhikari permission for a public gathering in Akratala on March 10, emphasizing a ban on provocative statements. The decision follows legal disputes over the rally’s venue and occurs amidst heightened political tensions in West Bengal.
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KOLKATA: On Thursday(7th March),the Calcutta High Court has granted permission to Suvendu Adhikari, the Leader of Opposition in the West Bengal Assembly, to conduct a public gathering. This decision comes amidst a backdrop of political tension and legal scrutiny in the region. The event is scheduled to take place on March 10 at the Akratala area, which falls under the jurisdiction of the Nazat police station in North 24 Parganas district.
The court’s ruling was clear and came with a stern warning: during the rally, speakers are to refrain from making any statements that could potentially escalate tensions or lead to a breakdown of law and order in the vicinity. This directive is particularly poignant given the sensitive nature of the location. Akratala is in close proximity to Sandeshkhali, a place currently under the spotlight due to its association with Shajahan Sheikh, a suspended member of the Trinamool Congress (TMC). Sheikh, who is currently in CBI custody, faces allegations related to an assault on Enforcement Directorate officials and is implicated in various criminal activities, including atrocities against women and illegal land acquisition in the Sandeshkhali area.
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The legal journey to this ruling began when Adhikari’s legal team initially sought permission for the rally to be held at Sundarikhali village, also within the Nazat police station’s domain. However, this request met with opposition from the state, prompting the court to request an alternative location. Subsequently, Adhikari’s representatives proposed Akratala as a suitable venue, a suggestion that was ultimately accepted by the court.
Justice Jay Sengupta, presiding over the case, stipulated that the public meeting could proceed between the hours of 10 am and 5 pm on the designated date. This decision not only underscores the judiciary’s role in maintaining the democratic right to assembly but also highlights the ongoing political rivalry in the state.
The timing of the court’s decision is noteworthy, as it coincides with the ruling TMC’s plans to host a significant rally at the Brigade Parade Ground in Kolkata. This parallel scheduling underscores the heightened political activity in West Bengal and sets the stage for a day of significant political mobilization and discourse.
