HC gives RSS permission to hold rally

The Calcutta high court gave permission to Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS) to organise a rally in Brigade Parade Ground that will be addressed by RSS chief Mohan Bhagawat on Saturday.

The Court has also show-caused the Commissioner of the Kolkata Police, Rajeev Kumar for flouting its order and directing him to give explanation for the same within two weeks.

RSS had initially decided to hold the rally at Bhukailash Ground in Kidderpore. Later the venue was shifted to Brigade Parade Ground. They had secured the permission of the defence authorities, but the Kolkata Police didn’t give the clearance to hold the programme. Thus, RSS had moved to the High Court.

The Court had asked the police to file a report in this connection after assessing the situation. The report that was placed before the Court was signed by joint commissioner of police instead of the commissioner.

During the hearing, the state counsel submitted before the Court that there is a shortage of policemen due to Ganga Sagar Mela. In reply, Justice Joymalya Bagchi raised the question that how does the police tackle the situation when Durga Puja is organised at different places.

The Court also directed RSS that there should not be gathering of more than 4,000 people and only invited people can attend the programme. They also have to provide names and address of the invited people to the police by Saturday noon. RSS has to take the responsibility in case any public property gets damaged. The organisers have been directed to submit an affidavit in this connection.