Calcutta High Court Allows RSS Rally Amid Exam Period Tensions

The Calcutta High Court has granted conditional approval for an RSS rally in Purba Bardhaman, despite objections by West Bengal government citing noise concerns during exams. The court permitted the event, provided noise levels are controlled. RSS chief Mohan Bhagwat will address the rally, originally denied permission by authorities.

The Calcutta High Court has intervened in a standoff between the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS) and the West Bengal government, granting conditional permission for a contested rally. Scheduled for February 16 in Purba Bardhaman, the rally faced government pushback over potential disturbances during the Madhyamik Pariksha, an ongoing secondary examination.

Justice Amrita Sinha's bench approved the gathering under strict conditions: sound levels must be monitored, ensuring minimal disruption to students. The event, to be held at the Sports Authority of India complex, will see RSS Chief Mohan Bhagwat address volunteers. Organizers had to replace loudspeakers with sound boxes to comply with noise regulations.

The legal battle highlights a recurring friction between RSS and state authorities, as seen in a similar 2017 incident. The court emphasized the importance of balancing public events with student welfare, illustrating the ongoing challenge of local governance and civil rights.

(With inputs from agencies.)