Calcutta HC allows RSS rally in Burdwan, overrules Mamata Govt’s sound ban amid exams

The Calcutta High Court on Friday granted permission for the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS) to hold its rally in Burdwan on February 16, with a directive that the sound system be kept at a low volume. The order came a day after the RSS approached the court following the West Bengal government's denial of permission to use loudspeakers at the event. The state government had cited the ongoing Madhyamik (Class 10) board examinations as the reason for its decision.

Justice Amrita Sinha, in the ruling, stated that since the event is scheduled for a Sunday and will last only 1 hour and 15 minutes, it is unlikely to disrupt students appearing for their board exams. “The sound should be kept low,” the judge directed, adding that the rally must be conducted peacefully. The court also noted that no schools are in close proximity to the venue, which is located at the Sports Authority of India (SAI) grounds in Burdwan.

The district administration had earlier denied permission for the use of microphones, arguing that noise from the rally could disturb examinees. The petitioner countered this by stating that there were no exams scheduled for the day of the event and that the location was not near any school. The court sided with the petitioner, stating that the restrictions imposed by the government were not justified under the circumstances.

RSS chief Mohan Bhagwat is expected to address the rally, which is set to witness significant participation. The event’s approval marks a legal resolution to the dispute over permission, with the court emphasizing the need to balance public events with the ongoing examinations. The state authorities have been directed to ensure that the gathering does not cause disruption and that all conditions regarding sound levels are strictly followed.

This ruling follows recent developments where Mohan Bhagwat met the parents of the RG Kar Medical College trainee doctor who was raped and murdered in August last year. The meeting took place at a guest house in Rajarhat, where the RSS chief expressed his condolences and assured support to the family in their fight for justice.