The Calcutta High Court has granted permission for a protest against the alleged unlawful use of zoo land by the state government.

The petitioner requested approval to hold a rally between the National Library and Rabindra Sadan, with an estimated 1,500 participants. It was noted that although permission was sought from the police, no response was received.

The state's counsel contended that the proposed route was a key arterial road in the heart of the city, and the rally's timing coinciding with office hours could result in significant traffic congestion. Additionally, it was argued that the route passed by two hospitals, which could face potential blockages as a result of the protest.

During the hearing of the plea, Justice Jay Sengupta permitted the rally to proceed but reduced the number of participants to 1,000 and modified the timing. The judge further held that:

"It appears that if the number of participants and that time for which the rally is to take place are modified to a certain extent, the same would not cause much disruption in the traffic in the area. In view of the above, let the petitioner organize such rally starting from the Rabindra Sadan Metro Station and passing through PTS crossing- Alipore Zoo and culminating at the National Library on 09.01.2025 between 12 Noon and 15:00 hrs. The number of participants in the rally shall be restricted to about 1000. The organizers shall follow all applicable laws including the norms regarding sound pollution and the like. The organizers shall also ensure that no incitement to violence takes place from the rally."

Case: Jagbir Singh Versus The State of West Bengal & Ors.

Case No: WPA 501 of 2025