Kolkata, Jul 18 (PTI) The Calcutta High Court on Friday allowed processions ahead of the Trinamool Congress’ Martyrs’ Day rally on July 21 in Kolkata, except between 8 am and 11 am.
The court directed that all processions within Kolkata police jurisdiction will be allowed till 8 am on July 21, and an hour will be granted thereafter for settling the crowd near Victoria House at Esplanade in the heart of the city.
Justice Tirthankar Ghosh directed that from 9 am to 11 am, the police will ensure there is no traffic congestion on roads leading to the Calcutta High Court and within five km of the central business district in Kolkata.
The processions can continue thereafter from 11 am, the court directed.
The court, hearing a petition seeking that there is no disruption of traffic movement on July 21, directed the Kolkata police commissioner to ensure smooth traffic movement.
Justice Ghosh directed the state to file an affidavit in opposition to the contentions of the petitioner by August 22 and reply by the petitioner within September 4.
Advocate General Kishore Dutta, representing the West Bengal government, prayed for a stay of the order, but the court refused the prayer.
During the hearing of the petition, the TMC’s lawyer stated that there would be a gathering of approximately 10 lakh people, the court noted.
Regarding the huge assembly of people on July 21, the TMC’s lawyer claimed that the petitioners approached the court to jeopardise the annual Martyrs’ Day programme with a political motive.
The Martyrs’ Day rally is held every year by the party in commemoration of a 1993 police firing at protestors of the Congress. PTI AMR NN
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