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The single judge bench of Justice Mantha was hearing a writ petition filed by Paschim Banga Khet Mazdoor Samity & Others, asking for permission to conduct a demonstration due to non-payment of wages and non-commissioning of their work.
The Calcutta High Court recently granted permission to MGNREGA workers to hold a 12-day sit-in protest at Kolkata's Sahid Minar Grounds from 10:00 A.M. to 7:00 P.M. due to non-payment of wages and non-commissioning of their work.
The bench of Justice Rajasekhar Mantha issued the order while hearing the writ petition filed by Paschim Banga Khet Mazdoor Samity & Others, who had previously been denied permission by the local authority to hold protests.
Advocate Shamim Ahammed, representing the petitioners, submitted that no more than 50 people might turn up in a day. He also stated that Haque Road at the crossing of Aminia Hotel next to the Kolkata Municipal Corporation Building is a car parking zone and/or rickshaw stand and the public may not be inconvenienced.
Advocate Jahar Lal De, counsel representing the State argued that the area is congested and the lanes are narrow. He further submitted that the disruption of traffic and inconvenience to the public at large could not be ruled out.
However, he suggested that the petitioners may hold a demonstration for twelve days at Sahid Minar Grounds from 10:00 A.M. to 5:00 P.M.
Justice Mantha, therefore, allowed the petitioners to hold their demonstration at Sahid Minar Grounds. He clearly stated that there shall be no more than fifteen persons staying overnight and demonstration shall be conducted in a peaceful and hygienic way.
“Only available public toilets shall be used by the petitioners and the demonstration shall be wound up strictly within twelve days," the court added.
Court further directed the petitioners to communicate the order to Army Authority.
Case Title: Paschim Banga Khet Mazdoor Samity & Anr. vs. The State of West Bengal & Ors
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