In a major drubbing for the West Bengal government, the Calcutta High Court on Thursday turned down Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee’s order banning Durga idol immersion due to Muharram.
Asking the government to make separate routes for both Durga idol immersion and ‘Taazia’ processions, acting Chief Justice Rakesh Tiwary said that idol immersion can take place on all days after 12am including Muharram.
The court also asked the Mamata Banerjee government to provide “concrete grounds” for its decision.
“You cannot interfere with the faith of the people, treat them with equality,” Justice Tiwary said.
The Mamata Banerjee government had issued a notification prohibiting Durga idol immersion after 6pm on 30 September till 1 October on account of Muharram, observed by Muslims as a day of mourning. The immersion could continue on October 2.