The Calcutta High Court on Friday directed West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee and her nephew, Trinamool Congress MP Abhishek Banerjee, to file personal affidavits in a contempt petition related to the July 21 rally organized by the party. The petition alleged violation of a 2018 court order that prohibited total blockage of roads during public meetings or gatherings.
Background of the Contempt Plea
The contempt plea was filed by an individual named Sumit Kumar Dey, who claimed that the July 21, 2023 rally at the Esplanade area in Kolkata caused complete obstruction of thoroughfares, defying the high court's May 2018 directive. The 2018 order had specifically stated that while political gatherings are permissible, organizers must ensure that traffic flow is not entirely halted. According to the petitioner, the TMC rally led to severe traffic congestion and inconvenience to commuters for several hours.
Court's Directive
Justice Sabyasachi Bhattacharya, presiding over the matter, observed that the allegations required a response from the top leadership of the party. "Given the nature of the allegations, it is appropriate that the chief minister and the MP file their personal affidavits explaining the arrangements made and the compliance with the court's order," the judge remarked. The court granted them two weeks to submit the affidavits and adjourned the hearing to July 17, 2026.
Response from TMC Leaders
Senior advocate Jayanta Mitra, representing Mamata Banerjee, argued that the rally was conducted with prior permission from the Kolkata Police and that adequate measures were taken to minimize disruption. He stated, "The chief minister has always respected court orders. The rally was peaceful and did not violate any directive." Similarly, Abhishek Banerjee's counsel maintained that the MP would cooperate with the court and file the required affidavit.
Impact and Next Steps
The case underscores the ongoing tension between political activities and public convenience in Kolkata's congested areas. If the court finds the leaders guilty of contempt, they could face penalties ranging from fines to imprisonment, though such outcomes are rare for high-profile political figures. The next hearing on July 17 will consider the affidavits and any further arguments. The TMC has stated that it will present evidence of compliance with traffic management protocols.
