The Calcutta High Court on Friday issued notices to former Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee and TMC General Secretary Abhishek Banerjee in connection with a contempt of court case linked to the party’s annual July 21 Martyrs’ Day rally. The order was passed by a division bench comprising Justice Arijit Banerjee and Justice Apurba Sinha. The court has scheduled the next hearing in the matter for July 3.
The case traces back to a Public Interest Litigation (PIL) filed in 2015 by petitioner Akshay Kumar Sarangi. In his plea, Sarangi alleged that frequent processions, political rallies, and religious gatherings in Kolkata and adjoining areas lead to prolonged road blockades, severely disrupting daily life.
The PIL highlighted that traffic congestion during such events often results in ambulances being unable to reach hospitals in time, office-goers facing significant delays, and students struggling to attend school punctually. The petitioner sought judicial intervention to ensure that citizens’ right to unhindered movement is protected.
Taking note of the concerns and previous directives issued in similar matters, the division bench has now sought responses from the top leadership of the TMC. The court aims to examine why, despite repeated instructions, major roads continue to be blocked during large-scale events and what role, if any, the party leadership plays in ensuring compliance.
The development comes ahead of the annual July 21 rally, a key political event organised by the TMC, drawing large crowds to the city.
Legal experts view the court’s move as an indication of heightened scrutiny over public inconvenience caused by mass gatherings. The outcome of the July 3 hearing is expected to be closely watched, as it may lead to stricter guidelines to balance political activities with public convenience.
The case has sparked public interest, with many residents hoping for concrete measures that would prevent disruption to essential services and ensure smoother traffic management during major events.
Also read: TMC crisis: Abhishek to meet Speaker amid LS defections
Follow us
