Tibrewal contended that Banerjee has divided the State into that of Hindus and Muslims and being the CM she has been biased against Hindus.
“How can a CM make such biased statements against one particular community? She cannot be biased against one community,” Tibrewal submitted.
She even took offence to the submissions of Advocate General (AG) SN Mookerjee, who told the bench that the carrying out processions during Ram Navami and Hanuman Jayanti have now become a fashion in the State though such festivals were never celebrated earlier.
“I would like to say that Ram Navami and Hanuman Jayanthi have not been so common in West Bengal. Durga Pooja and Kali Pooja yes, have been much common. But now from last five years some unknown organisations are also putting in their applications for permission,” the AG submitted.
Countering this, Tibrewal said,
“Can we say so for a community? If it’s a fashion and people are on the streets can we stop them? Can they say that the same conditions will apply on processions of Muharram or Eid?”
At this, ACJ Sivagnanam responded,
“Obviously. Nobody has got a right (to carry out religious processions). You are entitled for free movement and if that is going to hamper (others), definitely State can put restrictions. It will apply on all rallies and processions be it religious or political.”
Tibrewal urged the bench to order deployment of additional force in the affected areas in the State especially for Thursday’s celebrations.
“It is needed to ensure that people come on streets later and can freely say Jai Hanumanji Ki,” she urged.
Source: Barandbench
