The Calcutta High Court cleared the way for the Mamata Banerjee-led faction of Trinamool Congress to hold its annual Martyrs’ Day programme on July 21 at a new venue near Birla Planetarium after refusing to permit the gathering at its traditional site in front of Victoria House.
Hearing the matter, Justice Saugata Bhattacharyya directed Kolkata Police to allow the meeting on one side of the road near Birla Planetarium while ensuring that the opposite carriageway remains open for traffic. The court fixed the duration of the programme from 12 pm to 3:30 pm and restricted attendance to a maximum of 3000 people. It also instructed the police to make adequate security arrangements and ensure that law and order is maintained throughout the event.
The Mamata-led faction had moved the High Court alleging that its June 27 application to organise the annual “Shahid Divas” programme at Victoria House remained pending even as permission was granted to the Congress and a rival TMC faction for events in the same area.
During the hearing, the state opposed the request, pointing out that a Division Bench had already barred rallies in front of Victoria House and argued that multiple programmes at the location could disrupt traffic and create security concerns. While Wellington Square and Brigade Parade Ground were suggested as alternatives, the TMC pressed for a venue within the Esplanade area, citing the historical importance of the annual observance.
Accepting the proposal for Birla Planetarium, the court also directed the organisers to submit the names and contact details of volunteers who will be responsible for maintaining discipline during the programme.
