Kolkata: Calcutta HC Denies Permission For Mass Recital Of Hanuman Chalisa On Red Road, Hindu Seva Dal To Approach SC

The Calcutta High Court on Friday denied permission to recite Hanuman Chalisa on Kolkata’s Red Road on Saturday. A mass recital of Hanuman Chalisa by the Hindu Seva Dal was scheduled to mark Hanuman Jayanti on April 12. The organiser, Hindu Seva Dal, now plans to approach the apex court to appeal the suspension of the HC’s judgment, and seek approval for holding the event on Red Road next year, the Hindustan Times reported. 

“So far as the interim prayer for organising the programme on April 12 on Red Road, as pleaded by the petitioner, the same is refused at this stage,” a bench of Justice Tirthankar Ghosh said on Friday. 

The Hindu Seva Dal sought Kolkata Police’s permission, earlier this month, to hold the event, expecting around 3,000 participants.

The police denied permission, citing traffic congestion and potential law and order issues. The police asked the Hindu group to shift the venue to either RR Avenue, also known as Chittaranjan Avenue, or Shahid Minar near Dharmatala. 

As per the report, the Calcutta High Court was informed that the army had granted permission for the event. The army is the custodian of Red Road. 

In the petition, it was argued that  Eid prayers were allowed to be held at the same place on March 31. Durga Puja carnivals are also organised on the Red Road every year.

Calcutta HC Verdict

“Emphasis was laid on the fact that unless the place has a particular significance for the religion so as to form an essential or integral part thereof, as of right no individual, organization or any group of persons can claim a public place as a venue as a matter of right. It was further stated that so far as the level playing field pleaded by the petitioner in respect of the other community being allowed the same is being held for a considerable period of years which finds its place in history of India,” the order read.

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According to the report, the Hindu Seva Dal now plans to approach the Supreme Court of India against the verdict. “The Uttar Pradesh government managed the Kumbh Mela so well with millions of pilgrims attending it. But here the Kolkata Police can’t even handle a gathering of 3000. We are planning to move the Supreme Court to that the event may be organised at the same venue next year or on other dates,” Sudeep Ram, state president of Hindu Seva Dal, was quoted by the report. 

“Those who plan to recite Hanuman Chalisha can do it. But why are they entering into Red Road politics? Eid prayers are being held on Red Road for many years. Why are they only saying that Eid prayers are being held? Even Durga Puja carnival is held. Can’t they see it? They have no relation with the people of West Bengal,” said Kunal Ghosh, TMC spokesperson.