The Calcutta High Court on Friday has conditionally allowed the TMC to hold its annual Martyrs’ Day rally on July 21, but with a strong directive to ensure that public life and the city’s transport system remain undisturbed. In a significant ruling, Justice Tirthankar Ghosh ordered the Kolkata Police to make sure that no traffic congestion occurs within a five-kilometer radius of the Calcutta High Court and other key areas in North Kolkata.
All processions must reach the meeting venue by 8 am, the court ruled, to minimise traffic disruption and allow regular city activities to proceed.
The court’s order came in response to a petition filed by a left-leaning lawyers' association, which raised concerns that the massive rally could paralise Kolkata’s traffic and disrupt essential services, particularly since July 21 falls on a working Monday.
Although the court did not accept the plea to stop the rally altogether, it took a firm stance on minimising its impact.
Despite arguments from the Advocate General (AG) Kishore Dutta, who defended the state and TMC saying, “This event has been happening for over three decades and follows all rules, similar to PM or President visits,” the judge remained unconvinced.
Justice Ghosh further asked whether the Kolkata Police Commissioner would provide a written assurance that there would be no traffic jams on July 21, stating, "We must also consider how much the public will tolerate.”
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The petitioner's lawyer, Shamim Ahmed, submitted an affidavit pointing to disruptions during Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee’s July 16 march from College Square to Dorina Crossing, which led to vehicle diversions and Section 144 impositions near key city intersections. The affidavit also cited that schools and ferry services were declared closed, further straining the city’s normal functioning.
The TMC dismissed the case as politically motivated, claiming it was filed to gain publicity. Party leaders emphasised that there is no past record of people being obstructed or harmed during the July 21 rally and that such gatherings fall well within democratic norms.
The petitioner voiced a broader concern over alleged police bias, arguing that while permission is often denied for smaller processions on the grounds of traffic disruption, the same authorities readily approve massive rallies like the Martyrs’ Day event, which is expected to draw over 10 lakh participants.
“I am not against the rally,” the petitioner said, adding, “But the public must be able to reach their workplace and the court on Monday. The traffic system must not collapse.”
With the single bench ruling in place, sources indicate that the Trinamool Congress and the state government may approach the division bench, challenging parts of the order, particularly the strict traffic-related conditions.
For now, the Calcutta High Court has made it clear: The rally can go on, but not at the cost of public inconvenience. The onus is now on the Kolkata Police and the state administration to ensure smooth management of both the rally and the city.
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