MAHARAJ SWAMI PRADIPTANANDA Vs. STATE OF WEST BENGAL

JUDGEMENT

(1.) This is an application for permission to hold a cultural procession at Murshidabad on April 14, 2024. Affidavit of service filed in Court is taken on record. Report filed by the State is also taken on record.

(2.) Learned counsel appearing for the petitioner submits as follows. The petitioner is a Sanyasi associated with the order of Sanyasis popularly known as the "Bharat Seva Ashram Sangha." He is also the Secretary of the said Bharat Seva Ashram Sangha, Aurangabad, Murshidabad. The Bharat Seva Ashram Sangha organises "Sri Sri Basanti Puja Sanskriti Sanmelan" and "Pranabananda Mela". They intend to organise it this year from April 14, 2024 to April 18, 2024. On this occasion, a colourful cultural procession would be taken out through the main road of Aurangabad, Jagtai, Nimtita, etc. starting from the Bharat Seva Ashram Sangha at Aurangabad, Murshidabad from 3 pm on April 14, 2024. It would be attended by around 5000 men and women. The programme will also be attended by students from 12 schools in Murshidabad, which are run by the Sangha. The students of the schools include those coming from minority and tribal communities as well. Similar events have been organised by the organisation for the last 20 years. Permissions have always been granted.

(3.) This time too, the organisers prayed for necessary permission, but the same was denied by the respondent authorities.