Kolkata: The Calcutta High Court on Wednesday directed the Mamata Banerjee-led Trinamool Congress government in West Bengal to requisition central forces to assist the state police in maintaining peace during Hanuman Jayanti celebrations. The High Court passed the order in the wake of recent clashes across the state during Ram Navami celebrations. The court said, “The order was being passed to assure the general public that they are safe and will not be affected by any disturbances.”
The Calcutta High Court passed the order after the West Bengal government submitted a report on the recent violence in Shibpur and Rishra. The court asked the state government what steps it was taking to ensure peace and tranquility in the state in view of the upcoming Hanuman Jayanti. The court then directed the state government to request for the deployment of paramilitary forces to build confidence in the state.
The West Bengal government submitted a report on the recent violence in Shibpur and Rishra before the Calcutta High Court. The court asks the state government what steps it is taking to ensure peace and tranquility in the state in view of the upcoming Hanuman Jayanti. The court told the state government that… – ANI (@ANI) April 5, 2023
Ruckus on Ram Navami in West Bengal
Last week, clashes broke out between the two groups at some places in Howrah and Hooghly districts during and after the Ram Navami procession. Observing that prevention is better than cure, a division bench headed by Acting Chief Justice TS Sivagnanam directed the West Bengal government to demand central forces to avoid any breach of peace when Hanuman Jayanti rallies are taken out on Thursday. To be done
The court also directed the Center to make expeditious arrangements for such deployment on receipt of a request from the state. Advocate General SN Mukherjee told the court that around 2,000 applications have been received by the police in the state for holding Hanuman Jayanti rallies.
The order came on a PIL filed by Shubhendu Adhikari, Leader of the Opposition in the West Bengal Legislative Assembly.
Ministry of Home Affairs issued advisory for Hanuman Jayanti
Meanwhile, the Union Home Ministry also issued an advisory to states on law and order ahead of Hanuman Jayanti celebrations, days after Ram Navami clashes broke out in some parts of the country.
MHA has issued advisory to all the states for the preparation of Hanuman Jayanti. Governments are encouraged to ensure the maintenance of law and order, peaceful observance of the festival and monitoring of any factors that disturb communal harmony in the society: HMO pic.twitter.com/JZrLfQWSOw
– ANI (@ANI) April 5, 2023
The Union Home Ministry, in its advisory, has asked the states to keep an eye on any factor that disturbs communal harmony. The Home Minister’s Office said that all states have been asked to maintain law and order and celebrate Hanuman Jayanti celebrations in a peaceful manner.