Senior doctors protest against Kolkata police's Section 163 directive on Pujo carnival day

On the day of the state government's Pujo Carnival, senior doctors in Kolkata are organizing a significant protest carnival to challenge a controversial directive issued by the Kolkata Police. The police have invoked Section 163 of the Indian Penal Code, which prohibits public gatherings in specific areas, including Dharmatala, Rani Rashmoni, and Red Road, right as festivities are set to commence.

The protest is a response to growing frustrations among healthcare professionals regarding inadequate working conditions, lack of resources, and other pressing issues within the healthcare system. In a bid to express their dissent, the doctors have emailed Chief Justice T.S. Shivagnanam of the High Court, requesting the formation of a special bench to hear their case against the police's directive. They argue that the restrictions imposed by the police not only violate their right to assemble but also undermine their ability to advocate for necessary reforms in healthcare.

Justice Ravikishan Kapoor has been appointed to hear the doctors' appeal in the vacation bench. The doctors are urging a swift ruling, as it will determine whether they can proceed with their planned protest carnival at Rani Rashmoni. This event is crucial for them, serving as a platform to raise awareness about their demands and rally public support for better healthcare conditions.

Adding to the complexity, the Joint Platform of Doctors has also reached out to the Commissioner of Police for clarification regarding how Section 163 will affect public access to the Pujo Carnival festivities. They are particularly concerned about how attendees will navigate the restrictions to reach the Red Road celebrations.