The Calcutta High Court on Wednesday directed the West Bengal Government to requisition Central forces for assisting the State police in maintaining peace during Hanuman Jayanti celebrations.
Meanwhile, the Centre on Wednesday asked all States to ensure law and order during Hanuman Jayanti on April 6 and monitor any factor that could disturb peace and harmony in society.
Close on the heels of communal violence in West Bengal and Bihar during Ram Navami, the Home Ministry’s advisory to all States and Union Territories aimed at sensitising law enforcement agencies following the communal violence last week.
The court said in view of events in the recent past, the order was being given to assure the general public that they are safe and will not be affected by any disturbance.
Clashes had taken place at some places in Howrah and Hooghly districts between two groups during and after Ram Navami processions last week.
Observing that prevention is better than cure, a division bench presided by Acting Chief Justice T S Sivagnanam directed the West Bengal Government to requisition Central forces to avoid any breach of peace when Hanuman Jayanti rallies are taken out on Thursday.
The court also directed the Centre to make swift arrangements for such deployment on receipt of requisition from the State.
The order came on a PIL filed by Leader of Opposition in West Bengal Assembly Suvendu Adhikari.
It also asked the State to file an action taken report on the next date of hearing.
“The intelligence wing of the State police shall be strengthened and all steps be taken to avert any such pre-planned attacks or violence,” the bench directed.
“The MHA has issued an advisory to all States in preparation for Hanuman Jayanti. The governments are encouraged to ensure the maintenance of law and order, peaceful observance of the festival, and monitoring of any factors that could disturb communal harmony in society,” the Home Minister’s Office tweeted.
On Tuesday, the Union Home Ministry also sought a detailed report from the West Bengal government on the communal violence. Communal violence took place in Bihar’s Sasaram and Biharsharif towns too on and after Ram Navami following which over 170 people were arrested by the police.
Vehicles, houses and shops were torched and several people were injured in communal flare-ups reported in both towns on March 30 and 31.
Home Minister Shah expressed concern over the incidents and spoke to Bihar Governor Rajendra Vishwanath Arlekar to take stock of the situation.
The Home Ministry also sent additional paramilitary forces to Bihar to assist the state administration in handling the situation.
Shah had cancelled his proposed tour of Sasaram on April 2 after prohibitory orders were put in place in the town.
