Single-judge Justice Rajasekhar Mantha made the observation while allowing the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) to hold a rally at Nandigram on March 14.
“This Court is of the view that there should be a level playing field for all political denominations and ideologies in the State for holding public rallies, gatherings and meetings. Law and order is indeed an issue that the State needs to look into,” the Court said.
The Court was hearing a plea filed by a member of the BJP challenging the decision of the State Police denying it the permission to hold a rally in Nandigram area of the Purba Medinipur district.
The BJP and the ruling Trinamool Congress (TMC) had locked horns over holding rallies in Nandigram area, where 14 persons, protesting the anti-land acquisition laws in the State, were killed in a police firing, way back on March 14, 2007.
This year was the 16th death anniversary of these martyrs and both the parties had decided to pay respects to them by holding their rallies.
Source: Barandbench
