I-PAC Raid Row: Calcutta High Court Allows BJP Protest Near Nabanna With Strict Conditions

Report by : Swapnaleena Paul: Kolkata: The Calcutta High Court on Wednesday allowed the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) to hold a sit-in protest in connection with the controversy over recent Enforcement Directorate (ED) raids on the Indian Political Action Committee (I-PAC), but imposed stringent conditions, including a cap of 50 MLAs and a ban on inciteful speeches.

The court permitted the BJP to stage a protest after the party moved the High Court alleging that police had denied permission for a demonstration over the I-PAC raid issue. While allowing the protest, the court restricted its scale and manner, citing concerns over security and public order.

The protest has been allowed at Mandirtala bus stand, around 600 metres from Nabanna, the West Bengal state secretariat. The court declined permission to hold the demonstration directly outside Nabanna, terming the area a high-security zone.

Not more than 50 BJP MLAs are permitted to participate in the sit-in. The party has also been directed to provide contact details of at least 10 volunteers who will be responsible for managing the protest and coordinating with the police.

The protest must be held during the time window specified by the court and protesters must disperse promptly after it concludes. The exact date and duration are to follow the court’s order, with police supervision throughout.

The BJP is protesting the ED raids on I-PAC, a political consultancy firm that has worked with several parties, including the ruling Trinamool Congress (TMC). The BJP has alleged that the West Bengal government interfered with the ED’s functioning during the searches. The TMC has denied the allegations and questioned the intent and legality of the raids. The issue has triggered multiple legal proceedings and heightened political tension in the state.

The High Court laid down detailed conditions for the conduct of the protest. These include a complete ban on inciteful or provocative speeches and abusive language, prohibition on the use of microphones or sound amplification systems, and directions that the demonstration must not obstruct traffic or public movement. Any temporary platform or stage must adhere to size restrictions fixed by the court.

The BJP has also been directed to ensure that the protest site is restored to its original condition within 24 hours of the demonstration. The police have been instructed to deploy adequate personnel to maintain law and order while facilitating a peaceful protest.

In its order, the High Court sought to balance the right to protest with concerns over security around key government establishments. The bench observed that while democratic dissent cannot be curtailed, it must be regulated in sensitive areas to prevent disruption and maintain public safety.

The BJP is expected to go ahead with the protest under the court-mandated conditions. Meanwhile, the legal and political battle over the I-PAC raids continues, with related matters pending before higher courts. The High Court’s order is likely to serve as a reference point for regulating political demonstrations near sensitive government installations in West Bengal.