Ensure alternative arrangements during Red Road closure for Yoga Day: Calcutta HC
The Calcutta High Court on Thursday directed the West Bengal government to make alternative traffic arrangements to minimise inconvenience to commuters during the closure of Red Road for preparations for the International Day of Yoga programme, which will be led by Prime Minister Narendra Modi on June 21.
Hearing a petition filed by the All India Lawyers’ Union (AILU), Justice Saugata Bhattacharyya also directed the police authorities to take immediate steps to reopen Red Road for public use once the event concludes.
The petitioner challenged the prolonged closure of the iconic thoroughfare since June 14, contending that it was causing inconvenience to the lawyers belonging to the petitioner organisation travelling to and from the high court.
The court directed the police to ensure that suitable alternative routes remain available for members of the petitioner organisation as well as the general public to reach their workplaces and destinations while Red Road remains closed.
Senior advocate Bikash Ranjan Bhattacharya, appearing for the petitioners, argued that the Kolkata Police Commissioner lacked the authority to keep the road closed for such an extended period and sought quashing of the notification imposing the restriction.
Observing that the validity of the notification had been challenged, Justice Bhattacharyya said the issue would be examined after affidavits are filed by the parties.
The court directed the state government to file its affidavit within three weeks, with the petitioner allowed one additional week to file a reply. The matter will be taken up for further hearing thereafter.
Justice Bhattacharyya also instructed the petitioners to implead the Defence Ministry as a respondent, noting that Red Road is situated on land owned by the Indian Army’s Eastern Command.
Appearing for the state, Additional Advocate General Billwadal Bhattacharya submitted that the event is being organised by the West Bengal government in collaboration with the Ministry of Ayush to mark International Day of Yoga.
“India will be leading the world from Kolkata,” he told the court.
The judge queried whether the programme could have been held at the nearby Brigade Parade Ground instead of Red Road to avoid disruption to public movement.
The AAG responded that several alternative routes were available in the area and assured the court that commuters, including members of the petitioner organisation, would not face undue inconvenience.
He also informed the court that PM Modi would attend the programme.
The state further argued that the Defence Ministry was a necessary party to the proceedings as Red Road falls under its jurisdiction and had not initially been made a respondent in the petition.
