Calcutta HC insists on level-playing fields for all political ideologies

A BJP leader had gone to the Calcutta High Court challenging the decision of the Bengal police denying them permission to hold a rally at Nandigram

The Calcutta High Court has said that earlier this week there should be a level playing field for all political ideologies in West Bengal.

A Single-Judge Bench comprising Justice Rajasekhar Mantha made the observation while allowing the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) to hold a rally at Nandigram on March 14.

The Bench said that there should be a level-playing field for all political ideologies to hold rallies and gatherings, a report said.

The court was hearing a plea filed by a BJP member who challenged the decision of the Bengal police denying the party permission to hold a rally in Nandigram.

The BJP and ruling Trinamool Congress (TMC) had locked horns over holding rallies in the Nandigram area, where 14 persons protesting the anti-land acquisition laws in the state were killed in police firing in March 14 2007.

This year was the 16th death anniversary of those martyrs and both the parties had decided to pay respects to them by holding their rallies.

"This Court is of the view that there should be a level playing field for all political denominations and ideologies in the State for holding public rallies, gatherings and meetings. Law and order is indeed an issue that the State needs to look into," the Bench said.

In the order March 13, the judge directed the state police to permit the BJP to hold a rally from 8 am to 10 am.

"The permission to the other political party to hold a rally shall stand deferred from 10 am to 11 am. They shall be permitted to hold the meeting from 11 am to 3 pm," Justice Mantha said.

The judge had also taken note of the fact that the petitioner undertook to hold the rally peacefully.

"The public at large should not inconvenienced in any way whatsoever. Movement of traffic should not be disturbed," the court said.

The petitioner (BJP) may hold the rally and the Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF) may also deploy forces to ensure that the petitioners rally is held smoothly.

"However, the petitioner, their supporters and the CRPF shall vacate the place indicated by 10.30 am. The State police, to the extent necessary may also be deployed," the judge noted.