NEW DELHI: Responding to a petition, the Supreme Court has refused to block a Rs 10,000 grant to all Durga Puja committees in West Bengal. It, however, added that the Mamata Banerjee government would have to explain the matter in a detailed affidavit within six weeks. The West Bengal government has said the funds, to be given to 3,000 Durga Puja committees in Kolkata and 25,000 across the districts, were meant for a road safety programme. The petition, however, contended that the government was using public money for religious purposes, flouting the principles of secularism.
The petitioner also alleged that the money was being “distributed through the police” against all norms. Representing the WB government, senior Supreme Court advocate Kapil Sibal said all funds are being given only through cheques and it will be accounted for. State BJP president Dilip Ghosh has accused the ruling Trinamool Congress of trying to divide the people along religious lines by giving out doles during festivals. He said the CM was facing the “anger of the Hindus” and trying to pacify them.
The statement came in reference to the government's decision over the last two years, when Vijaya Dashami coincided with Muharram, to restrict the timings of Durga idol immersion so it would not clash with tazia processions. The issue reached the apex court after the Calcutta High Court refused to intervene, on October 10, within the state government's decision. The court said the legislature is the best forum to bring up the issue and agreed to intervene later if needed.
