By putting restrictions on the Rath Yatra, Bengal Police have interfered with the religious practices : Calcutta High Court

Calcutta High Court (Credit : Bar And Bench)

Kolkata – The Calcutta High Court expostulated the Bengal Police for not allowing the Rath Yatra procession at Sankrail, Howrah in Bengal during this year’s Shri Jagannath Rath Yatra. The High Court said that the State Police putting restriction on the Rath Yatra means interfering with the religious practices.

Justice Rajashekhar Mantha of the Calcutta High Court said, ‘It was very inappropriate to not allow devotees to carry deity Shri Jagannath in a chariot. The object and the purpose of Rath Yatra has thereby been rejected. People have been happily participating in this Rath Yatra for centuries and actively supporting the Rath Yatra. Till date, no State of the country has interfered with religious practices in this manner. The Court pointed out that the practice of ‘Rathotsav’ has been going on for thousands of years in India.

A petition was filed in the High Court after the Bengal Police imposed restrictions on the Rath Yatra. While giving judgement on this petition, the Court observed that the Police must take strict preventive measures, if there is a possibility of disruption of this religious function by some anti-social elements.

Editorial Viewpoint

This proves that the Bengal Government is not taking decisions in accordance with the Constitution. Hence, it would be appropriate to suspend this Government and impose President’s Rule.