Calcutta High Court Imposes 1500 Limit On Attendees At BJP's Rally In Howrah, Expresses Concerns Over 'Narrow Strech' Of Road

The Calcutta High Court has allowed a rally by the Bharatiya Janata Party in Kolkata's Howrah area, after permission had been refused by the police authorities. 

A single bench of Justice Tirthankar Ghosh allowed permission for the rally, but expressed string exception over the fact that it had been scheduled to be held along a stretch of "narrow road" which was only 20 metres wide.

Keeping in mind the width of the road, Justice Ghosh underscored that the total number of participants in the rally would have to be limited to 1500.

Court also restricted the movement of vehicles around the area, and stipulated the areas where they would have to be parked. It said:

"It is reiterated that the name of 10 persons responsible for organizing the said meeting, would be provided in advance to the officer-in-charge of Shyampur P.S. The aforesaid ten persons (as referred to) will, in any time of crisis, assist, cooperate and, direct the members and/or sympathizers, who are participating in the meeting to abide by the instructions of the State administration."

The timings of the meeting would be from 3.00 pm to 6.00 pm, it added.

The court also listed the guidelines laid down by the State for conduct of the meeting, and directed adherence to the same.

Case: Arun Uday Paul Chowdhury -Vs-The State of West Bengal & Ors

Case No: WPA 27104 of 2024

Citation: 2024 LiveLaw (Cal) 246

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