Calcutta High Court Grants Permission for VHP's Ram Navami Procession with Stringent Conditions
The Calcutta High Court, in a significant ruling on Friday, has permitted the Vishva Hindu Parishad (VHP) to organize a Ram Navami procession in Kolkata on March 26. The court, presided over by Justice Saugata Bhattacharyya, approved the event but imposed strict conditions to ensure public order and safety.
Key Conditions Imposed by the Court
The procession is scheduled to proceed from BE College Gate 1 to Ramkrishnapur Ghat via GT Road. Justice Bhattacharyya mandated that the number of participants must not exceed 500. Additionally, no real arms will be allowed; only symbolic plastic replicas are permitted. The court explicitly prohibited any speeches that could incite communal violence, emphasizing the need for peaceful conduct.
Organizational Accountability and Police Coordination
To enhance oversight, the VHP must provide the names and phone numbers of 15 organization members to the police. This measure aims to ensure accountability and facilitate communication during the event. The court's decision aligns with a previous High Court order that had also allowed the same route, reinforcing legal consistency.
Addressing Past Violations and State Concerns
The state government raised concerns about last year's procession, alleging that the participant limit of 500 was exceeded despite court orders. In response, Justice Bhattacharyya directed the organizers to disseminate information through leaflets and public announcements to ensure compliance. The state had proposed an alternative route, citing election preparations in the Shibpur Police Line, but the judge upheld the original plan, directing the deployment of extra police force as needed.
Court's Critique on State's Uniformity in Permissions
During the hearing, the state claimed that last year, organizers violated the court order by including bikes in the procession. Justice Bhattacharyya questioned the state's consistency, noting, "We regularly read in newspapers about bike rallies. Where is the uniformity so far as the state is concerned? This pricks even this court's conscience." Advocate General Kishore Datta responded, stating that hundreds of permissions are granted monthly, with only 10-15 rejections, irrespective of the parties involved.
Ensuring Peaceful Celebrations Amidst Legal Scrutiny
This ruling underscores the court's effort to balance religious freedoms with public safety, particularly in a sensitive communal context. By setting clear conditions and emphasizing adherence to past orders, the Calcutta High Court aims to prevent disruptions and maintain harmony during the Ram Navami celebrations in Kolkata.
