Calcutta High Court Questions Restrictions on CPM Durga Puja Book Stall

The Calcutta High Court questioned restrictions affecting a CPI(M) book stall outside the party office during Durga Puja and cautioned against suppressing the expression of other political parties.

Background and legal issue

The petition concerned permission to set up the stall. Justice Saugata Bhattacharya asked the State to explain the justification for preventing the proposed activity.

Court’s reasoning and procedural position

The remarks address political expression and equal administrative treatment, but oral observations must not be reported as a final declaration of the stall’s legal entitlement.

Legal consequence and next step

The authorities’ position remains subject to further court consideration and any operative directions in the pending petition.