Durga Puja idol immersion row: Mamata Banerjee not to move SC against Kolkata HC order

West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee has decided not to move Supreme Court against the Kolkata High Court order to allow Durga Puja idol immersion on Muharram.

However, she issued a new order that says those who are planning Durga Puja idol immersion will need prior permission from the West Bengal government.

“Security is my first priority”, said Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee while issuing the new order.

Earlier, West Bengal government had issued an order to ban idol immersion on Vijayadashami on September 30 after 10 pm and on October 1, the day when Muslims will observe Muharram.

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The order to idol immersion was opposed by BJP and other right-wing organizations and as much as three PILs were filed in the High Court against it.

The Kolkata High Court had slammed West Bengal government for “arbitrary” use of powers and said idol immersion will continue on all days, including October 1, which is Muharram.

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

"Let them live in harmony. Do not create a line between them. Let them live together," the High Court said.