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Journalism of Courage
The controversy over the Calcutta High Court ban on rallies refuses to go, and the state government has decided to move the court tomorrow to seek a redressal over the court order.
A brief statement from Chief Minister Buddhadeb Bhattacharya’s office today said that the state government, which is ‘‘conscious about the rights of political parties and organisations and also about the rights of common people who shouldn’t be harassed, will move court tomorrow.’’ The statement added that the state government ‘‘expects that it would get justice.’’
Earlier this month, when the state government moved the vacation bench, neither the bench nor the state government had the certified copy of the order and the hearing couldn’t continue. Thus the state government could get a stay.
Justice Amitava Lala’s order of September 29, banning rallies and processions between 8 am and 8 pm on working days, has kicked off a storm in the Left Front camp.
Though the major Opposition parties, the Trinamool Congress, Congress, SUCI and the CPI(M-L) also expressed their resentment against the order, the loudest voice of protest came from the CPI(M) which took up the issue and organised processions and meetings, violating the court order.
CPI(M) Politburo member and Left Front chairman Biman Bose led a vitriolic attack on Justice Lala on several occasions, even going to the extent of saying that ‘‘he’s unwanted in Kolkata’’ after a crucial LF meeting to review the situation in the state after the HC order during Durga Puja.
Interestingly, the brief statement from the Chief Minister’s Office, which said it would seek redressal in connection with Justice Lala’s order, didn’t condemn the attacks on Justice Lala led by Bose. Meanwhile, non-Left political parties and the West Bengal Bar Council members have demanded action against Bose.
‘‘We’re surprised how the state government and the Calcutta High Court can remain silent on Biman Bose’s remarks. It’s an indication from the CPI(M) leadership that they wouldn’t tolerate a dissenting judiciary. After they have arm-twisted the entire state, they’re threatening the high court now,’’ said Pankaj Banerjee, TMC leader and Leader of the Opposition in the Assembly.
Banerjee added, ‘‘We didn’t agree with the order but we will go for a procedural protest, like appealing to a division bench.’’
‘‘We’re surprised that the state government didn’t arrest Biman Bose for his uncivilised open remarks against Justice Lala,’’ pitched in state BJP president Tathagata Roy.
