Calcutta HC directs District Magistrate Jhargram to consider postponing Jangalmahal Ustav

The Calcutta High Court bench of Chief Justice Prakash Srivastava and Justice Rakesh Bharadwaj has directed the District Magistrate of Jhargram District of West Bengal to consider postponing Jangalmahal Ustav this year due to the rise in Covid-19 cases in the state. 

Jangalmahal Utsav organised by Paschimanchal unnayan Parshad is a festival celebrating advasi culture and heritage. 

The plea filed by one Pratik Maitra and argued by Advocate Ranjil Mukherjee states that the utsav ought to be deferred in light of the rising covid cases. 

Per contra, Advocate Samrat Sen representing the state argued that measures are in place to ensure safety of visitors. The mela is slated to take place in 6 places namely Jhargram,Bardhama, Paschim Midnapore, Purulia, Bankura, Birbhum and Paschim 
Bardhaman to avoid crowding in one place, Sen argued. Furthermore he argued that artisans have already made preparations for the same and have started coming in. 

However, the Court noted that the mela is not held on a particular date every year. The date also does not depend on any lunar or solar position. 

The Court further took note of the fact thaat private and public offices are closed in the district. There are restrictions on movement of vehicles as well. The Court further noted that market, shops and other establishments are also closed according to government order.

In the light of the same the Court noted that these show the seriousness of the covid situation in the district and stated, 

"we are of the opinion that if such a situation is existing in the District then it may not be in the public interest to hold the Mela on the given dates from 17th of January, 2022."

Hence, the Court directed the District magistrate to take a decision as to holding of the mela within 24 hours. 

Significantly, the Calcutta High Court has asked the state election Commission to defer municipal polls for 4-6 weeks due to rise in Covid cases. 

Pratik Maitra v. State of West Bengal