Kolkata, 25 August (H.S.): The Calcutta High Court has permitted rival factions of the Trinamool Congress Chhatra Parishad (TMCP) to hold separate programmes on August 28 to commemorate the organisation’s Foundation Day. However, the court has denied permission to either faction to hold its programme at Mayo Road near the Gandhi statue.

Justice Saugata Bhattacharya permitted both factions to organise separate indoor programmes at different venues. The court has capped attendance at 1,500 people for each programme, instead of the proposed gatherings of around 10,000 people.

The matter reached the High Court following a dispute between the rival factions over the proposed TMCP Foundation Day celebrations on August 28. Both groups had sought permission to organise their respective programmes near the Gandhi statue on Mayo Road.

During the hearing, the court explored the possibility of the rival factions holding a joint programme to avoid any potential law-and-order situation. However, the parties failed to reach a consensus on holding a common event.

Following the failure to arrive at an agreement, the court permitted both factions to conduct separate indoor programmes. At the same time, it made it clear that neither group would be allowed to hold its event at Mayo Road near the Gandhi statue.

The court also directed the organisers to comply with all conditions and instructions issued by the administration and other concerned authorities while conducting the programmes.

The directions are aimed at preventing any disturbance or law-and-order situation in the city during the Foundation Day celebrations.

TMCP observes August 28 as its Foundation Day every year. This year, the dispute arose after rival factions sought permission to organise commemorative programmes at the same location.

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Hindusthan Samachar / Priyanka Pandey