Kolkata: The Calcutta High Court on Thursday lifted the restrictions on Durga Puja immersion imposed by the West Bengal government, allowing it till 12 am on all days including on Muharram day.
Terming the government’s directive as “arbitrary”, the court asked the police to designate separate routes for Durga Puja immersion and Tazia on the occasion of Muharram in the city and ensure adequate security for the both the processions.
Delivering a stern rebuke, the high court told the state not to curtail citizens’ rights senselessly.
“You are exercising extreme power without any basis… Just because you are the state, can you pass arbitrary order?” the court said.
Hearing three PILs challenging the restrictions on immersion of idols at the end of the five-day Durga Puja festival, a bench headed by acting chief justice Rakesh Tiwary said the government could not act on mere assumption that the law-and-order situation might deteriorate owing to Vijaya Dashami and Muharram falling one after the other.
“If you get a dream, that something will go wrong, you cannot impose restrictions,” the bench, also comprising Justice Harish Tandon, told the West Bengal government.
The government banned idol immersion after 10 pm on September 30 – Dashami when the Durga Puja ends. The Muslim community will mark Muharram on October 1.