Calcutta HC grants permission to Ram Navami processions in ‘sensitive’ Howrah but with certain riders

The Mamata Banerjee-led West Bengal government has already declared Ram Navami (April 17) as a public holiday in the state

West Bengal has witnessed a sharp rise in Ram Navami and Hanuman Jayanti-related events in recent years. (File Photo)

The Calcutta High Court on Monday granted permission to the Vishwa Hindu Parishad and the Anjani Putra Sena to take out Ram Navami processions in West Bengal’s Howrah under certain conditions.

A single-judge bench of Justice Jay Sengupta observed that Ram Navami processions should not have more than 200 participants. It also barred the display of any weapon during the processions and added that only one vehicle carrying the idol of Lord Ram could be used in a rally. Raising provocative slogans and using disc jockeys have been banned too.

The Court has also asked the two organisers to take out their rallies on separate days. The VHP will hold the procession on April 17, while Anjani Putra Sena has been asked to organise the Ram Navami procession on April 21.

The police had earlier asked the organisers to change the route of the procession this year owing to the fear of the recurrence of violence like last year.

Reacting to the order, Niraj Agarwal of Anjani Putra Sena said, “The Court has granted the permission but it has changed the date to April 21. We will be taking out the procession from Narasimha Temple near Avani Mall to Howrah Metro via PM Basti.”

Whereas Bajrang Dal Howrah Pramukh Ravi Chowdhury said, “It is sad that for a simple procession, we had to knock on the Court’s door. We welcome the Court’s order and the procession will be taken out as per the direction of the Court.”

West Bengal has witnessed a sharp rise in Ram Navami and Hanuman Jayanti-related events in recent years. Several communal incidents have also been reported in the state over the last few years during Ram Navami events. Last year, too, violence was reported in Hooghly and Howrah districts.

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The Mamata Banerjee-led West Bengal government has already declared Ram Navami (April 17) as a public holiday in the state.

Sweety Kumari

Sweety Kumari is a seasoned journalist reporting from West Bengal for The Indian Express. With over a decade of experience in the media industry and eight years specifically with The Indian Express, she demonstrates considerable Expertise and Authority across a diverse range of critical beats. Experience & Authority Current Role: Journalist, The Indian Express, reporting from West Bengal. Extensive Tenure: Over 10 years of experience in the media industry, with a long association (8 years) with The Indian Express, contributing to a high level of Trustworthiness. Diverse Coverage: Covers crucial beats including Crime, Defence, Health, and Politics, alongside writing on trending topics. Investigative Focus: Possesses a keen eye for investigative and human-interest stories, demonstrating depth and skill in impactful journalism. Beat Versatility: Has honed her craft across diverse beats, including aviation and reporting on various incidents, ensuring well-rounded and comprehensive reportage. Career Start: Began her journalistic journey as an Entertainment and lifestyle journalist with a news portal in Kolkata, providing a foundational understanding of media landscape and audience engagement. Education Advanced Education: Holds a PG in Mass Communication from Jadavpur University, equipping her with advanced media theory and skills. Undergraduate Education: Holds an Honours degree in Journalism from Jaipuria College. Multilingual Skill: Her fluency in English, Hindi, Bengali, and Maithili enhances her reach and capability to connect with diverse sources and communities in the region, adding a layer of accessibility and authenticity to her reporting. Regional Roots: Originally from Bihar, she was brought up and educated in Kolkata (Kendriya Vidyalaya Salt Lake), giving her a deep, personal understanding of the cultural and political nuances of her reporting region. Sweety Kumari's combination of significant experience, specialization in key beats like Crime and Politics, and strong academic background makes her a trusted and authoritative contributor to The Indian Express. ... Read More

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