Calcutta High Court stays order allowing CPI(M) book stalls

The Calcutta High Court has stayed an earlier order that permitted the Communist Party of India (Marxist) to set up a book stall near its office in Bongaon during the Durga Puja festival. A division bench led by Chief Justice Ravindra Vithalrao Ghuge ruled that the party had not obtained the necessary permissions from competent authorities, such as the Public Works Department, to erect the structure.

The legal dispute arose after the CPI(M) alleged that members of the Hindu Jagran Manch obstructed their efforts to set up a temporary bamboo stall and instead occupied the space. While a single judge had previously ruled that the dissemination of different political ideologies is essential to democracy and directed police to maintain peace, the division bench noted that the party had only sent an email informing authorities of its intent rather than formally seeking permission.

The court emphasized that all litigants must disclose all relevant material and noted that the failure to present the email regarding the party's notification to the single judge could be viewed as a suppression of information. The bench further stated that if any other stalls, including those by the Hindu Jagran Manch, are operating without permission, they must also be removed to ensure equality before the law. The matter is scheduled for further hearing on January 21.