The Calcutta High Court on Tuesday granted conditional permission for a public demonstration by residents of Murshidabad and Malda districts over last month’s communal violence in Murshidabad that erupted during protests against the Waqf (Amendment) Act.
Justice Tirthankar Ghosh allowed the protest to be held near Central Park in Salt Lake, limiting participation to a maximum of 200 people and directing that the demonstration conclude by 4 PM. The court emphasized that public movement and traffic flow in the area must not be disrupted.
The court also permitted a five-member delegation from the protest group to submit a deputation to the chairman of the West Bengal Human Rights Commission (WBHRC) or an officer designated by him. Initially, the protesters had sought permission to hold a sit-in directly outside the WBHRC office, but the court denied that request. The alternative location near Central Park was agreed upon by all parties.
The protestors are demanding action against those responsible for the April clashes in Murshidabad, which turned violent and claimed three lives, including that of a man and his son, who were reportedly hacked to death by rioters during the anti-Waqf (Amendment) Act agitation.
The court’s decision underscores the importance of balancing the right to protest with the need to maintain public order and civic convenience.
