News Desk, Kolkata : High Court Grants Permission for ISF Gathering in Kolkata: Legal Victory Unfolds;
In a pivotal legal development, the Kolkata High Court has granted permission for a political gathering in front of Victoria House, but notably, it is the Indian Secular Front (ISF) that emerges victorious, not the Trinamool Congress. The courtroom drama unfolded today as the court heard the case, bringing clarity to the ongoing legal skirmish.
Traditionally, every year, the Trinamool Congress conducts a meeting in front of Victoria House on July 21st, a tradition that has become synonymous with the political landscape of West Bengal. However, the court had previously granted permission to the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) for a gathering at this location. In a surprising turn of events, the court has now extended the approval to the ISF.
During the hearing, the court stated that the individual responsible for organizing the meeting must submit their name to the court. The court dismissed any reasons for denying permission within the state, emphasizing a neutral stance in its decision. The directive issued today specified that the ISF can conduct their meeting from noon until half-past four in front of Victoria House. However, the gathering is restricted to less than a thousand attendees, a detail emphasized by Justice Joy Sen Gupta.
AG Kishor Datta, representing the court, elucidated, “This type of event usually takes place at several locations. This location is exceptional, and a gathering can take place here. The meeting can be held at the Indoor Stadium as well.”
The court’s decision raises questions about the unique history of July 21st and the significance of the location. Justice Joy Sen Gupta remarked, “If anyone comes and says they want to protest in front of the High Court, can that be permitted? The history of July 21st is unique; many lost their lives there. So, only one meeting is allowed each year.”
The court further scrutinized the recognition of those applying for permission, stating, “Does anyone who applied have any recognition? They are recognized political parties. If there are issues in the state, no one can hold a meeting. It is applicable to any political case, not just the ISF.”
Justice Sen Gupta clarified, “Allowing 1,000 people to gather in Victoria after shifting from the Ram Leela Maidan is fine.” On the other hand, lawyer Firoze Shamim commented, “This is the application of the state. If it were Trinamool’s application, it would have been understood that they have an eagerness for this place.”
This legal victory for the ISF comes after the previous year’s events, where the police imposed a curfew in the city following a meeting on Rani Rashmoni Road on the party’s foundation day. This year, as the police did not grant permission for the program, the ISF sought legal recourse, leading to today’s courtroom decision. The court, by granting conditional permission, seeks to balance the imperative of political expression with considerations for public safety.
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