Calcutta HC directs state govt to ensure peace in city during festive season

The Calcutta High Court on Wednesday directed the West Bengal government to take all necessary steps to ensure peace in Kolkata and adjoining areas during the festive season. The direction of Chief Justice T S Sivagnanam came while hearing of a petition by Leader of Opposition in state Assembly Suvendu Adhikari.

A division bench of Chief Justice TS Sivagnanam and Justice Hiranmay Bhattacharya, while hearing the plea by Adhikari, directed the state to file a report in the form of an affidavit by November 18. The court asked the petitioner to file his affidavit in reply to it by November 21, when the matter would be listed for hearing again.

The court observed that it is the responsibility of the state to ensure that people celebrate the festival with normal fervour without any obstruction.



Adhikari had alleged in his PIL that on the day after Kali Puja, tension erupted in certain areas of Kolkata-Rajabazar and Narkeldanga area, where a large mob attacked a section of people.

Advocate General Kishore Dutta, who appeared for the state, submitted that there was a clash between two persons and some police personnel, who got injured in the incident. He also stated that at least six FIRs were registered in this connection. Dutta mentioned at least 23 people were arrested in the incident.

However, he claimed that the allegations that people of different communities had clashed was not true.

The court directed that the state should to take all necessary steps to ensure peace in all localities, particularly in the area mentioned in the petition.

In Bengal, the festive season continues and following Diwali, Chhath Puja will start followed by Jagaddhatri Puja at Chandannagar in Hooghly district, neighbouring Kolkata.

"It is the responsibility of the state to ensure that people celebrate the festival with the usual fervour without any hindrance," the bench said.

Petitioner Suvendu Adhikari also alleged that attacks were perpetrated on Durga Puja pandals and the deities in some places, claiming that there was a design to disturb the security and integrity of India.

Adhikari prayed that the probe into the alleged incident be handed over to the National Investigation Agency (NIA). His lawyer argued that stones were pelted and bombs were thrown. Counsel prayed that the plea be transferred to the National Investigating Agency (NIA) due to the use of explosive substances.