The Calcutta High Court on Friday permitted Trinamool Congress (TMC) processions ahead of its annual Martyrs’ Day rally on July 21, but imposed specific time restrictions to prevent traffic disruption in Kolkata’s central business district and around the High Court.
Justice Tirthankar Ghosh, while hearing a petition seeking uninterrupted traffic movement on the day of the rally, directed that processions under Kolkata Police jurisdiction be allowed only until 8 am. An additional hour—from 8 am to 9 am—will be allotted for crowd settlement near Victoria House at Esplanade, the site of the main event.
Between 9 am and 11 am, the court ordered that the police must ensure smooth vehicular movement within a 5-km radius of the central business district and on roads leading to the Calcutta High Court. Processions can resume after 11 am.
The court instructed Kolkata Police Commissioner to ensure there is no traffic congestion during the restricted hours and stressed the importance of maintaining public order on the day of the rally.
Justice Ghosh also directed the West Bengal government to file its affidavit countering the petitioner’s claims by August 22, and allowed the petitioner to respond by September 4. A plea by Advocate General Kishore Dutta, representing the state, to stay the order was rejected by the court.
During the proceedings, the TMC’s legal counsel mentioned that nearly 10 lakh supporters are expected to participate in the gathering. The party also alleged that the petition was politically motivated, aiming to disrupt its commemorative event.
