Two petitions in high court against Bengal govt's curb on Durga idol immersion for Muharram
Kolkata-based lawyer Smarajit Roy Chowdhury has filed a writ petition before the bench of acting Chief Justice of the Calcutta High Court, Nishita Mhatre, challenging Bengal government's curb on the Durga idol immersion on Muharram.
"Durga Puja is the biggest festival in West Bengal and Bengalis worship goddess Durga following the auspicious timings based on panjika," petitioner Smarajit Roy Chowdhury told IBNS.
"I can't understand how could a government ban Durga idol immersion for another community's festival!" Smarajit Roy Chowdhury said.
"As this decision, which was taken last year too, may hurt the communal harmony in the state, I'm moving to honourable Calcutta High Court against the government's order which has not been published officially yet, just announced verbally and posted on social media," Chowdhury added.
The senior lawyer said that the matter will be heard at the court today (Friday, Sep 15).
Meanwhile, standing against Bengal government's restrictions on Durga idol immersion, Youth Bar Association of India (YBAI), a national forum/organization for young advocates, has reportedly filed another petition before the Calcutta High Court.
Petitioners' counsel, Somnath Adhikary, told IBNS, "We are moving against the Twitter announcement of West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee, where she has restricted Durga idol immersion in the state for Muharram celebration."
Petitioners also claimed that the announcement of the Bengal government is violative of Articles 14, 25 and 26 of the Constitution of India.
However, the matter is likely be heard at the bench of Calcutta HC's acting CJ Nishita Mhatre on next Wednesday (Sep 20).
Earlier on Aug 23, after holding a meeting with Durga puja organizers in Kolkata, CM Mamata Banerjee declared a curb on Durga idol immersion on Bijoya Dashami, Sep 30, after 6 pm. and on Ekadashi (Oct 1) whole day for Muharram processions.
Last year, the state government put same restrictions on Durga idol immersion for Muhharam and few puja organizers moved to Calcutta High Court against the decision.
The High Court slammed state government for the announcement and granted additional time to the petitioners for idol immersion.
(Reporting by Deepayan Sinha)
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