The Calcutta High Court on Friday permitted the Bharatiya Janata Party to hold its proposed ‘Paribartan Yatra’ rallies in poll-bound West Bengal on March 1 and 2, while imposing strict conditions on timing, attendance and conduct to ensure public order.
Justice Suvra Ghosh ruled that the right to assemble is a fundamental right under Article 19 of the Constitution, noting that even though the application was moved by a political party, it represents individuals who are citizens entitled to constitutional protection. The court allowed the programmes to take place across different districts on both days between 2 pm and 6 pm, with participation capped at 1,000 people at any given venue.
The BJP is set to launch the statewide mobilisation drive ahead of the Assembly elections, with Union Home Minister Amit Shah, party president Nitin Nabin, Union Health Minister J P Nadda and Defence Minister Rajnath Singh scheduled to address rallies from multiple districts.
While granting permission, the court barred speeches that could incite violence and directed the party to submit the names and mobile numbers of 20 volunteers to the police by 6 pm on Friday. These volunteers will be responsible for coordinating with law enforcement and will be held accountable for any violation or untoward incident during the events.
Justice Ghosh also instructed authorities to deploy adequate police personnel in and around each venue to maintain law and order.
During the hearing, BJP counsel argued that although permission had been granted for rallies in Durgapur, approvals were pending in other districts. They contended that the state could not curtail the fundamental right to assemble under Article 19.
The state, however, opposed the plea, maintaining that while the right to assemble is protected, it is subject to reasonable restrictions to ensure public safety and convenience. It submitted that permissions cannot be treated as unconditional.
Balancing both positions, the court allowed the rallies to proceed under regulated conditions aimed at safeguarding both constitutional freedoms and public order.
