Calcutta HC allows teachers’ protest near Central Park, bars 'strict police action' at Bikash Bhavan

The Calcutta High Court has issued an order directing that no strict police action should be taken against unemployed teachers and education workers named in FIRs who are protesting in front of Bikash Bhavan. Justice Tirthankar Ghosh stated that while investigations will continue, the police must adopt a slow-paced approach in handling the situation. The court allowed qualified teachers and members of the Teachers’ Rights Forum 2016 to hold a sit-in protest near the swimming pool area in Central Park, permitting a maximum of 200 participants at a time.

During the hearing on Friday, Justice Ghosh mentioned that if possible, the administration should provide temporary tents to the protesters. He also instructed the authorities to ensure the availability of bio-toilets and drinking water at the protest site. The designated area near Central Park will be the only authorized location for the demonstration, as per the court’s directive.

Despite the High Court’s order and a show-cause notice issued by the Secondary Education Board, enforcement of these directives has not yet been fully implemented. The administration has not made significant progress in complying with the court’s instructions or providing the required facilities for the protesters. The ongoing situation remains under judicial and administrative review.