The court declined to accept Adhikari's plea to prevent the Sampriti rally on the same day, citing apprehensions of potential unrest.
Under the leadership of Chief Justice TS Sivagnanam, the division bench mandated that the state bear the responsibility to safeguard the approved programs, ensuring their uninterrupted conduct. Additionally, the court directed that the rally refrain from delivering speeches or statements that may offend the sentiments of any religious or sectarian group.
The court mandated that the organizers of the rally must diligently adhere to this directive and take measures to ensure that all participants are fully informed about it. Any breaches of this directive will result in accountability being placed on the organizers, as emphasized by the court. West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee announced on Tuesday that she will lead a 'rally for harmony' in Calcutta on January 22, the same day as the consecration ceremony in Ayodhya. Banerjee, who is also the chief of the ruling TMC, said she will start the procession from Hazra crossing in south Kolkata after a visit to Kalighat temple.
The Advocate General of the state, Kishore Dutta, contended that the petitioner's apprehensions regarding potential unrest and disturbance of peace during the Sampriti rally on January 22 were based on speculation rather than concrete evidence.
Dutta further specified that the Sampriti rally is planned to commence at 3 pm from Hazra crossing, concluding at Park Circus maidan, where a meeting is scheduled to take place.
In his Public Interest Litigation (PIL), Adhikari requested the court to deny permission for the Trinamul Congress to conduct the rally on January 22. He sought the court's directive to the state's chief secretary, home secretary, and the Director General of Police (DGP) to take necessary measures ensuring the prevention of any breach of peace.
