The extensive preparations have also affected ordinary residents of Kolkata. Large sections of Red Road have been closed, while traffic restrictions and diversions have been imposed for several days. The Calcutta High Court declined to interfere with the government’s arrangements but directed police to ensure alternative traffic routes in the public interest.
Critics argue that the restrictions are causing inconvenience to commuters, businesses and transport operators. Some residents have questioned what they see as a double standard in the government’s approach to public gatherings.
Md Yusuf, a resident of central Kolkata, said: “We were repeatedly told that prayers on public roads could not be allowed because they would inconvenience traffic for a short time. Now major roads are being restricted for days for a government event. People are asking why different standards are being applied.” The likely reference here is to this year’s Eid namaz being shifted from the traditional venue of Red Road to Brigade Parade Ground citing public inconvenience.
The legal challenge was filed by the Coordination Committee, a Left-affiliated organisation representing government employees. The committee challenged a 14 June notification issued by the office of the chief secretary, which directed permanent, temporary, contractual, daily-wage, outsourced and honorary employees to participate in Yoga Day programmes.
The notification also covered employees of state-run enterprises, autonomous bodies and local government institutions.
Reacting to the state’s clarification, senior advocate and CPI(M) leader Bikash Ranjan Bhattacharya, appearing for the Coordination Committee, alleged that the government had realised its position would not withstand legal scrutiny.
“The state government understood that it was likely to lose the case in court. That is why it withdrew from its earlier stand and clarified that attendance at Yoga Day programmes is not mandatory. This appears to be an attempt to save face after issuing a notification that created widespread confusion among employees,” he said.
Justice Sinha, however, observed that the government had never intended to make attendance compulsory and questioned the need for the litigation.
During an earlier hearing, Bhattacharya had referred to various commemorative occasions such as World No Tobacco Day, Teachers’ Day and World Health Day. In a lighter moment, Justice Sinha quipped: “You mentioned so many days, but forgot to mention Valentine’s Day?” prompting laughter in the courtroom.
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