The Calcutta High Court on Friday declined to step in amid a growing dispute over the foundation-laying of a Babri Masjid replica in West Bengal’s Murshidabad district.
The bench, led by acting Chief Justice Sujoy Paul, said it is the state government’s responsibility to maintain law and order, according to a PTI report.
The ceremony, scheduled for December 6 at Beldanga, is being spearheaded by Trinamool Congress MLA Humayun Kabir, who has since been suspended by the party for moving ahead with the plan.
The date also marks the anniversary of the Babri Masjid’s demolition by the BJP-lead India government in Ayodhya, where a Ram Temple was built following a Supreme Court verdict.
The West Bengal government told the court it has deployed adequate police personnel to prevent any breach of peace. The Union government informed the bench that 19 companies of Central Armed Police Forces, stationed in Murshidabad since communal violence in April, remain available for immediate deployment if required.
A petition before the court sought a stay on the programme, arguing that Kabir’s remarks and the proposed event could disturb communal harmony. The petitioner accused the MLA of using inflammatory language online and urged action to prevent tensions in the region.
Following the court’s refusal to intervene, petitioner’s counsel Sabyasachi Mukherjee said the state would now be accountable for any deterioration in law and order.
He added that the Centre had already committed CAPF support and forces were conducting route marches.
Kabir, who submitted an undertaking that he would not incite violence, welcomed the court’s stance, calling it a “victory for the Constitution.”
He claimed thousands were expected to attend the programme and that 2,000 volunteers would assist in maintaining order.
However, the TMC leadership criticised Kabir for choosing a communally sensitive area for the project and suspended him for what it called “communal politics.” Kabir announced he would resign from the party and launch his own political outfit on December 12.
Meanwhile, BJP leader Arjun Singh launched a sharp attack, warning Kabir against proceeding with the event and alleging that invoking the name “Babri” was an affront to the Constitution.
Source: Hindustan Times