Deploy central forces for Hanuman Jayanti procession - Calcutta HC

The Calcutta High Court has ordered the deployment of central security forces to maintain peace during the procession of Hanuman Jayanti on Thursday. The court has also directed that the procession should not be taken out from places where Section 144 has been imposed.

The High Court has urged the state to seek the help of central forces to restore peace in areas that have recently experienced riots.

The division bench, consisting of Acting Chief Justice TS Sivaganam and Justice Hiranmoy Bhattacharya, informed the state's Advocate General of their decision on Wednesday. The High Court has emphasized that the central forces will work in tandem with the police to ensure that law and order are maintained and citizens' safety is not compromised.

Acting Chief Justice of the High Court has instructed the state to deploy Central Security Force only in Shivpur, Risda, and Uttar Dinajpur. It has been left to the discretion of the police to decide where and how much help of the paramilitary force will be required to maintain peace.

During the hearing on Wednesday, the Acting Chief Justice's bench initially advised the state government to seek help from central forces to restore peace in Risda. The High Court then directed the state to enlist the help of the central government, given the recent riots that occurred during Ram Navami processions.

The High Court's decision to deploy central security forces has been welcomed as a proactive measure to maintain peace and prevent any untoward incidents during the Hanuman Jayanti procession. The state is expected to take necessary steps to ensure the procession passes peacefully without any disruption.