Calcutta High Court Allows Protest March Against Alleged Atrocities Faced By Hindus In Bangladesh

The Calcutta High Court has allowed a protest march against the alleged atrocities faced by members of the Hindu community in ethnic violence which has broken out across Bangladesh.

A single bench of Justice Tirthankar Ghosh allowed the protest, which is scheduled to lead up to the Bangladesh High Commission, when a delegation of a few members will be meeting the High Commissioner to share concerns over the hardships faced by Hindus in Bangladesh.

The petitioners approached the court to take out a procession from R.R. Avenue in protest of certain issues over ongoing unrest in Bangladesh.

However, since permission was not granted by the authorities, the court directed that the procession proposed to be held from R.R. Avenue towards Lenin Sarani, proceed towards Beck Bagan Crossing and end at the Beck Bagan Crossing where the organizers would request the gathering to disperse.

Court noted that from there a five-member delegation would meet the Bangladesh High Commissioner and/or any officer authorized by the High Commissioner.

It was directed that the organizers at the Beck Bagan Crossing would control their sympathizers and will not take steps which may disturb both the local population as well as bilateral relations.

As submitted by the learned advocate for the petitioners, the procession would constitute their member/sympathizers which would vary from 750 to 1000 persons, the Court noted.

It also directed the state to ensure adequate police force to be requisitioned including the Reserve Force, if required, for escorting the whole of the procession.

State was also directed to ensure that there is no tension created either by the local people of the area through which the procession would be passing or from the members of the procession itself.

Court also directed adherence to a list of guidelines laid down by the state, to be followed during the protest, to be held between 12:15-4:15pm.

Case: Gopal Adhikary & Ors. -Vs- The State of West Bengal & Ors.

Case No: WPA 26896 of 2024

Citation: 2024 LiveLaw (Cal) 242

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