Kolkata, Oct 02: The Calcutta High Court today refused to stay its earlier order banning rallies and processions between 8.00 am and 8.00 pm on weekdays in the metropolis, but allowed Durga Puja immersion processions. The vacation bench, comprising Justice Alok Chakraborti and Justice Subhro Kamal Mukherjee, allowed immersion processions of Durga Puja, Lakshmi Puja and Kali Puja festivals terming them as very important festivals of Bengal.
The court declined to proceed with the appeal against the earlier order of a single bench as the signed copy of Justice Amitava Lala's order of September 29 was not yet available. It directed that a plain copy of the order of Justice Lala be provided to the state as soon as possible.
The bench also directed that the appeal by West Bengal government against the order of Justice Lala on a suo motu contempt would be heard by a regular bench after the puja holidays. Permission, however, was granted to the state or any aggrieved party to move the vacation court in the meantime in case of an exigency.
Justice Lala had in his order directed the police that even on the Sundays and public holidays, rallies should be allowed only at three designated venues at Brigade Parade Ground, the Shahid Minar and Rani Rashmoni Avenue.
Defence authorities were also directed to abide by the order and asked to discuss the matter with the police to finalise modalities. Bureau Report