In a significant ruling, the Calcutta High Court has decided not to prohibit a circus company from conducting its show at the iconic Park Circus Maidan this year. The court's decision came despite petitions raising pollution concerns, as the organisers had secured the necessary permissions from the relevant authorities.
Court's Directive on Environmental Safeguards
A division bench comprising Acting Chief Justice Sujoy Paul and Justice Partha Sarathi Sen presided over the case on Wednesday. While the bench showed no inclination to halt the event, it issued crucial directives to mitigate potential environmental impact. The bench explicitly ordered the Kolkata Municipal Corporation (KMC) to ensure no damage is caused to the environment during the duration of the circus show.
Highlighting the need to balance public interest, the court also mandated that the section of the Maidan earmarked for morning walkers must remain accessible even while the circus is operational. This move aims to protect the daily routines of citizens who use the grounds for exercise and recreation.
Petitioners' Argument and Court's Timeline
The petitioners had approached the court seeking a complete ban on the circus, citing serious pollution issues. Their argument drew a parallel with the relocation of the renowned Kolkata Book Fair from Park Circus Maidan, which was also moved on grounds of environmental pollution. This precedent formed a core part of their plea to stop the circus.
In response to these allegations, the division bench has instructed the KMC to submit a detailed affidavit within three weeks if it has any substantive arguments against the petitioners' claims. The matter is now scheduled for a further hearing only after the winter vacation, in early 2026, indicating the court will monitor compliance and review the situation in due course.
Implications and The Way Forward
This ruling sets a precedent for how the city balances cultural and entertainment events with growing environmental consciousness. The court's decision underscores that while permissions from competent authorities are paramount, they must be coupled with enforceable conditions to protect public spaces and ecological health.
The onus now lies heavily on the KMC to vigilantly supervise the event and enforce the court's conditions. The directive to keep the walking area open is a clear win for citizen rights, ensuring that public space is not entirely monopolised by commercial activities. All eyes will be on the civic body's affidavit and its subsequent actions to prevent environmental degradation at the historic Maidan.
