Kolkata, 13 October (H.S.) : The Calcutta High Court took a stern view on Tuesday regarding alleged administrative hurdles placed before the Communist Party of India (Marxist) [CPI(M)] in setting up temporary book stalls in Naihati and Bongaon during Durga Puja. A bench presided over by Justice Saugata Bhattacharya directed the West Bengal government to clarify its stance within 24 hours, asking the state administration to file its response by Wednesday.

The Left party alleged that while it has regularly set up book stalls and held book fairs in these localities during the festive season for the past two and a half decades, local authorities withheld permissions this year. The petition further claimed that another outfit was permitted to erect a temporary structure at the very location designated for the stall.

During the hearing on Tuesday, counsel for the petitioners, Shamim Ahmed, submitted that setting up such temporary book stalls historically required no special clearance. He alleged that the state administration and local police deliberately delayed approvals this year, adding that when party volunteers attempted to erect a bamboo framework, members of a specific organisation obstructed them while police personnel remained silent spectators. Taking note of the submissions, Justice Bhattacharya questioned state counsel: They want to sell books, not food! What is the state government's specific position on this?

Earlier on Monday, the court had observed that if permissions were not feasible during Durga Puja, the stalls could potentially be operated during the subsequent Kali Puja festivities. However, counsel for the petitioner sought release from the matter following that observation. After hearing comprehensive arguments from both sides on Tuesday, Justice Bhattacharya listed the matter for further hearing on Wednesday.

The legal standoff follows a recent political directive issued by Chief Minister Suvendu Adhikari regarding communist literature stalls during the festive season. Adhikari had stated that Left parties would not be permitted to set up stalls unless they explicitly use the term Durga Puja instead of Sharodotsav on their banners and promotional displays.

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Hindusthan Samachar / Satya Prakash Singh