Kolkata Police has imposed prohibitory orders under Section 163 of the Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita (BNSS) at Dharmatala for a period of 60 days, effective from June 30, 2026. The order comes less than three weeks before the Trinamool Congress (TMC) is scheduled to hold its annual July 21 Martyrs' Day rally, a major political event in West Bengal.
Details of the Prohibitory Orders
According to an official notification issued by the Kolkata Police, the prohibitory orders under Section 163 BNSS will remain in force at Dharmatala for 60 days starting June 30. The order prohibits the assembly of five or more persons, carrying of weapons or any object that could be used as a weapon, and activities that could disturb public peace or tranquility. The police have stated that the measure is necessary to prevent any potential breach of peace or law and order situation in the area.
Dharmatala is a key location in central Kolkata, often used for political rallies and public gatherings. The TMC's annual Martyrs' Day rally on July 21 commemorates the deaths of party workers in a 1993 clash with the police when the party was in opposition. The rally typically draws large crowds and is addressed by TMC supremo and West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee.
Timing and Political Context
The imposition of the prohibitory order less than three weeks before the TMC rally has raised political eyebrows. The TMC has yet to officially respond to the order, but party insiders have indicated that they are reviewing the situation. The Kolkata Police, however, has maintained that the order is a routine administrative measure to ensure public safety and is not targeted at any specific political event.
According to a senior Kolkata Police official, "The prohibitory orders under Section 163 BNSS have been imposed at Dharmatala to prevent any untoward incident. The area has a history of large gatherings and we want to ensure that all necessary precautions are taken." The official added that the police will assess the situation and may grant permission for the rally on a case-by-case basis, subject to conditions.
Legal and Procedural Aspects
Section 163 of the BNSS empowers the police to impose prohibitory orders in any area to prevent danger to human life, health, or safety, or to maintain public order. The orders can be enforced for a maximum of 60 days, which is the duration specified in the Kolkata Police notification. The police have the authority to extend the orders if necessary.
Legal experts have noted that such orders are not uncommon in Kolkata, especially during periods of heightened political activity. However, the timing of this order, coming just ahead of the TMC's major rally, has led to speculation about its political implications. The TMC has previously accused the Kolkata Police, which is under the state government, of using administrative measures to curb political activities, though the police deny such allegations.
Impact on the July 21 Rally
The prohibitory order could affect the TMC's plans for the July 21 rally. The party traditionally holds the rally at Dharmatala or the nearby Esplanade area. The Kolkata Police have indicated that they will consider granting permission for the rally if the TMC applies and complies with conditions, such as ensuring no weapons are carried and maintaining crowd control measures.
A TMC spokesperson said, "We are aware of the prohibitory order and are in touch with the police. We hope that the administration will allow us to hold our peaceful rally as we have done every year. The Martyrs' Day rally is a solemn occasion to remember our fallen comrades, and we expect the police to facilitate it." The police have not yet confirmed whether they will grant permission for the rally.
