West Bengal Doctors Challenge Police Ban On Protest In Calcutta High Court

The Joint Platform of Doctors, a leading association of medical practitioners in West Bengal, has approached the Calcutta High Court to contest the prohibitory orders imposed by Kolkata Police on the route of their planned human-chain protest in central Kolkata. The association is advocating for their demonstration, titled “Droh-Carnival,” scheduled to take place shortly.

Urgent Hearing Requested

On Tuesday, the doctors requested a swift hearing from the division bench of Chief Justice TS Sivagnanam and Justice Bivas Pattanaya, emphasizing the urgency due to the impending protest.

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The court has admitted the petition, and following the Chief Justice’s directive, a special court led by Justice Ravi Krishan Kapur will hear the case at 2 p.m. on the same day.

Police Denial and Doctors’ Response

Kolkata Police had earlier denied permission for the “Droh-Carnival,” citing concerns that it would coincide with the annual carnival for Durga idol immersion organized by the state government. However, medical representatives dismissed this reasoning, asserting that there is sufficient distance between the two routes to prevent any overlap.

Determination to Protest

The doctors have expressed their unwavering commitment to hold the “Droh-Carnival,” which aims to protest the brutal rape and murder of a junior doctor from RG Kar Medical College and Hospital in Kolkata. They have also invited the public to join their demonstration.

Police Prohibitions and Hunger Strike

In response to the doctors’ announcement, city police issued prohibitory orders for the entirety of the day along the planned protest route. The outcome of the Calcutta High Court’s division bench will ultimately determine the future of the event.

This timing coincides with the 11th day of a hunger strike by a group of junior doctors, with five participants already hospitalized due to severe health complications following their fast, which began on October 5.