Kolkata, Oct. 14 -- The Calcutta High Court on Wednesday questioned the state government's refusal to allow a CPI(M) book stall in Bongaon while another organisation had set up a stall nearby, observing that permissions could not be granted on a "pick and choose basis".
Justice Saugata Bhattacharyya said suppressing the voice of other political parties was contrary to the spirit of democracy. The court directed the inspector-in-charge of Bongaon police station to ascertain whether other stalls in the area had obtained permission from the PWD and submit a report on Thursday. The state subsequently approached Chief Justice Ravindra Vithalrao Ghuge's division bench, challenging Justice Bhattacharyya's jurisdiction. The challenge is likely to be heard on Thursday.
The state argued that the land belonged to the PWD and questioned whether the matter should be heard by a judge dealing with police-related cases.
The observations came during a hearing of the CPI(M)'s plea alleging obstruction and assault when party workers attempted to erect a book stall outside their Bongaon party office on October 6. The party alleged that people associated with Hindu Jagran Manch had prevented them from setting up the stall.
Published by HT Digital Content Services with permission from Millennium Post.