Calcutta High Court Rules Kudmi Samaj Protest Unconstitutional

The Calcutta High Court has declared the Kudmi Samaj's proposed rail and road blockade in West Bengal as illegal and unconstitutional, upholding previous rulings. The state government is instructed to maintain normalcy by deploying additional forces. The protest sought Scheduled Tribe status, and similar demonstrations occurred annually since 2022.

The Calcutta High Court ruled on Thursday that the rail and road blockade planned by Kudmi Samaj in West Bengal's Purulia district is illegal and unconstitutional. This decision reaffirms the court's previous stance on the group's protests demanding Scheduled Tribe status.

Presided by Justice Sujoy Paul, the division bench observed no significant changes in circumstances since a similar protest in September 2023. The court instructed the state government to adhere to its former directive to ensure normalcy.

The government is urged to deploy additional forces and may seek assistance from Jharkhand, Odisha, and Chhattisgarh. The Kudmi Samaj, which has annually demonstrated since 2022, must ensure their blockade does not disrupt medical and emergency services or fundamental rights.

(With inputs from agencies.)