Calcutta High Court Agrees To Hear Plea Over Hike In Grant To Durga Puja ‘Clubs’ By West Bengal Govt

The Calcutta High Court on Monday agreed to hear a plea questioning the West Bengal government's decision to hike the grant offered to Durga puja clubs in the State.

Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee on 22^nd August had announced that the State government would make available a fund of up to Rs 70,000 each to organisers of the various ‘clubs’ hosting Durga puja in various localities all over the State. The largesse was limited to 60,000 per club last year. A plea seeking proper regulation/ audit of the same is already pending before the High Court.

Petitioner’s advocate submitted that while the earlier writ petition is pending, the fresh application challenges enhanced allocation of funds for the 2023 Durga Puja. He prayed for an urgent listing of the matter, apprehending that the State would distribute the funds in the interim. Durga Puja is slated to be held between 20^th-24^th October in West Bengal.

“One short consideration milord…they will distribute the funds…kindly list this matter urgently,” it was submitted.

Hearing this, a division-bench remarked, “But last year, we think some direction was issued…some accounts [called for]…we read in the papers. Alright let us list it we will see.”