Today, on Nov 6th, the Calcutta High Court has directed the West Bengal government to maintain peace during festivities, addressing concerns raised by Suvendu Adhikari regarding recent disturbances in Kolkata. The court emphasized the state’s responsibility for ensuring celebrations occur without fear. It required detailed reports from both the government and Adhikari while reaffirming the judiciary’s role in promoting communal harmony during sensitive periods.
Kolkata: In a significant directive, the Calcutta High Court has instructed the West Bengal government to ensure peace and harmony in all localities during the festive season. A division bench led by Chief Justice T S Sivagnanam emphasized that it is the state’s responsibility to enable citizens to celebrate festivities without disruption or fear. This directive came during the hearing of a petition filed by Suvendu Adhikari, the Leader of Opposition in the West Bengal Assembly, who raised concerns about recent disturbances in Kolkata.
The petition from Adhikari cited an incident of tension in Rajabazar and Narkeldanga following Kali Puja, where, he claimed, a large mob allegedly attacked certain communities. However, Advocate General Kishore Dutta, representing the state, contested these claims, asserting that the alleged clash between communities was unfounded.
According to Dutta, the situation was a result of a scuffle between two individuals, which later escalated, injuring some police officers and resulting in at least six FIRs. “The allegations that people belonging to separate communities had clashed are devoid of truth,” he stated. Dutta further informed the court that 23 individuals were arrested in connection with the incident.
The court, which also included Justice Hiranmay Bhattacharyya, instructed the state to submit a detailed report on the situation in the form of an affidavit by November 18. The petitioner, Adhikari, was also directed to respond with an affidavit by November 21, when the matter would come up for further hearing.
During the proceedings, the court reiterated the importance of a peaceful festive season, highlighting the ongoing Chhath Puja and the upcoming Jagaddhatri Puja at Chandannagar in Hooghly district, close to Kolkata. “It is the responsibility of the state to ensure that people celebrate the festival with the usual fervour without any hindrance,” the court remarked, underlining the importance of maintaining calm amid celebrations.
Adhikari’s petition raised additional concerns, alleging attacks on Durga Puja pandals and deities at some locations, claiming that these incidents aimed to disturb India’s security and communal harmony. His lawyer, Billwadal Bhattacharya, argued that there had been attempts on social media to misrepresent the Narkeldanga incident as a communal clash. Bhattacharya stated, based on police findings, that the issue was a minor dispute over motorbike parking between two individuals, with no attack on a Kali idol immersion procession as was alleged.
In response to Adhikari’s request to transfer the investigation to the National Investigation Agency (NIA), the court did not issue any directive but stressed the importance of the state government taking active measures to maintain public peace.
This directive from the Calcutta High Court highlights the judiciary’s role in reinforcing peace during sensitive periods, especially during festivals, ensuring that the spirit of unity and celebration is preserved across communities.
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