Calcutta HC orders West Bengal govt to ensure peace during festive season

The Calcutta High Court has instructed the West Bengal government to ensure that peace prevails across all localities during the festive season. The court emphasized that it is the state's responsibility to provide a safe environment where people can celebrate festivals without disturbance.

This directive was issued by a division bench led by Chief Justice T S Sivagnanam in response to a petition filed by Suvendu Adhikari, the Leader of Opposition in the West Bengal Assembly. Adhikari claimed that clashes occurred in Kolkata’s Rajabazar and Narkeldanga areas a day after Kali Puja, with a mob allegedly targeting certain groups, which raised tensions in the area.

West Bengal Advocate General Kishore Dutta, representing the state, refuted the claims, stating that the altercation was between two individuals and not between communities, as suggested. He further explained that police officers were injured in the incident, and six FIRs had been filed, resulting in the arrest of 23 individuals connected to the disturbances.

The court has ordered the West Bengal government to submit a report in the form of an affidavit by November 18, detailing the incident and the measures taken. The petitioner is expected to reply by November 21, when the case will be heard again. Meanwhile, the state has been directed to implement all necessary precautions to prevent further disturbances, especially in the areas mentioned in the petition.

The bench highlighted that, with the onset of the festive season including Chhath Puja and the upcoming Jagaddhatri Puja in Hooghly district, public safety and festive enthusiasm must be safeguarded. "It is the responsibility of the state to ensure that people celebrate the festival with the usual fervour without any hindrance," noted the court.

Adhikari also alleged that attacks on Durga Puja pandals and idols had taken place in some areas, which he claimed was an attempt to disrupt communal harmony. He requested that the case be handed over to the National Investigation Agency (NIA) for a more thorough investigation.

Adhikari’s lawyer, Billwadal Bhattacharya, added that there was an attempt to create misinformation about the incident on social media. He clarified that the scuffle was reportedly over the parking of a motorcycle between two individuals, rather than a communal issue.