Durga idol immersion case: Calcutta HC says state govt using extreme power without any basis

In the Durga idol immersion case, the Acting Chief Justice of Calcutta High Court on Thursday said that the state government is exercising extreme power without any basis. The HC said that there is a difference between regulation and prohibition.

"Just because you are the state, can you pass arbitrary order? If you get a dream, that something will go wrong, you cannot impose restrictions," said Acting Chief Justice of Calcutta HC to state government.

Earlier on Wednesday, the Calcutta HC questioned state government for its decision restricting immersion of Durga idols on October 1 as Muharram falls on the same day.

The high court asked,” When you (state government) are firm there is communal harmony in the state, why are you creating communal distinction between the two?”

"Let them live in harmony. Do not create a line between them. Let them live together," the high court observed. 

Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee had directed SPs in the districts to talk to Durga Puja committees and Muharram committees regarding holding of their respective rallies and had said that there would not be any idol immersion on October 1.

Also read: Calcutta HC to Mamata govt: 'Don't create communal divide when there is harmony'