Calcutta HC Slams State Police For Denying Chariot Procession During Rath Yatra

The Calcutta High Court recently expressed dissatisfaction with the State police for their refusal to permit a chariot procession in Sankrail, Howrah, during this year’s Jagannath Rath Yatra.

The Court highlighted that the conditions imposed by the police amounted to interference with religious practices.

Specifically, the Court cited a directive requiring devotees to carry the deity without a chariot for a certain portion of the journey.

A single bench of Justice Rajasekhar Mantha strongly criticized the police’s decision, deeming it highly inappropriate to mandate that the deity travel without a chariot for approximately 300 meters. Such a requirement, he argued, would undermine the very essence and purpose of the Rath Yatra.

“Over the decades and centuries, people of all the religious denominations have participated with joy and/or actively supported Rathyatra in this State. To restrict a Rathyatra, and to impose conditions therefor would amount to interference with a religious practice which has not happened in this State or any other part of the country, till date,” the order reads.

Additionally, the single bench acknowledged the deeply held beliefs of the devotees, emphasizing that according to their religious faith, the deity is traditionally carried on a chariot. It highlighted that this practice has been faithfully observed in India for countless centuries.

“A Rathyatra as folklore and mythology would have, meant for the deity Lord Jagannath and Balabhadra to travel on a chariot from their house to their sister’s house/aunt’s house to visit and to see an unwell aunt. Such festival and practice is being followed in this Country for thousands of years,” the bench stated.

The remarked was made in response to an application filed by an individual who had previously approached the Court seeking permission to organize the Rath Yatra in a specific location.

On June 16, the Court directed the petitioner to seek permission from the relevant police authorities. However, dissatisfied with the response received from the police, the petitioner filed an application before the High Court.

While resolving this application, the single bench further emphasized that if there are concerns about potential vested interests or elements aiming to disrupt the religious event, the police must adopt appropriate and rigorous procedural measures to address such issues.

“The petitioner shall as already directed earlier, maintain peace and harmony in the procession of the Rathyatra. The order dated June 16, 2023 remains without being modified,” the bench directed.