West Bengal High Court Dismisses CPI(M) Petition Over Durga Puja Bookstall Vandalism
The Kolkata High Court has rejected CPI(M)s plea for compensation related to vandalism at their bookstalls during Durga Puja.
Kolkata, October 20 (Daily Kiran) : The Kolkata High Court has dismissed a petition from the Communist Party of India (Marxist) (CPI(M)) regarding vandalism at their bookstalls during Durga Puja celebrations. The single-judge vacation bench, led by Justice Partha Pratim Roy, made the ruling on Tuesday.
The CPI(M)’s Jadavpur area committee filed the petition seeking compensation for damages incurred at various bookstalls located near Durga Puja pandals across West Bengal. Following the filing, Justice Roy held an immediate hearing on the matter.
During the proceedings, Justice Roy noted that a similar petition related to the CPI(M) bookstall was already pending. This case is set to be heard by a division bench, led by Chief Justice Ravindra Vithalrao Ghuge, in January next year. Justice Roy concluded that there was no need for a separate hearing by the vacation bench and subsequently dismissed the petition.
Justice Roy also reminded those present that in a related case concerning the removal of the CPI(M) bookstall near a puja pandal, Chief Justice Ghuge’s division bench had stated that stalls set up without police permission should not be allowed to operate and should be removed by the police.
Reports of vandalism at CPI(M) bookstalls have emerged from various parts of the state, including Kolkata, since the start of the festival. On the night of Saptami, two bookstalls in the Jadavpur area were vandalized, sparking political debate.
Several intellectuals and members of civil society have condemned the incidents of vandalism at the CPI(M) bookstalls. West Bengal’s Finance Minister, Swapan Dasgupta, expressed his disapproval of the events, labeling them not only unfortunate but also shameful.
He stated, “If this were an isolated incident, I could understand. However, it has happened in three or four locations. I cannot accept this in any way. While we may have ideological differences with leftist parties, who are these people preventing them from selling books? Who gave them this right? Such actions are condemnable. I am embarrassed. I hope this never happens again.”
