High Court allows 'Droh Carnival' of protesting doctors after police prohibition

On Monday, the Calcutta High Court granted permission for the 'Droh Carnival,' a human-chain protest organized by the Joint Platform of Doctors in West Bengal, after police had previously prohibited the event. The court decided after the medical professionals filed an urgent petition, challenging the Kolkata Police's prohibitory orders.

The Joint Platform of Doctors, which represents numerous healthcare professionals across the state, had planned the protest to bring attention to the rape and murder of a junior doctor at R.G. Kar Medical College and Hospital. The ‘Droh Carnival’ event was scheduled to take place soon, with wide public participation anticipated.

However, Kolkata Police initially denied permission for the protest, citing concerns that it might coincide with the state’s annual Durga idol immersion carnival. The authorities argued that the event’s overlap could create logistical and security challenges in central Kolkata. Despite these concerns, the doctors dismissed the reasoning, stating that there was sufficient distance between the two events to prevent any conflict.

In response to the police's decision, the medical professionals filed a petition with the Calcutta High Court, seeking an urgent hearing. The petition was accepted by Chief Justice T.S. Sivagnanam and Justice Bivas Pattanaya, with the case being heard by a special court led by Justice Ravi Krishan Kapur.

After reviewing the arguments from both sides, the court ruled in favor of the doctors, allowing the protest to proceed as scheduled. The ruling underscored the importance of maintaining the right to peaceful assembly and protest, especially in matters of public concern. The Joint Platform of Doctors expressed satisfaction with the court’s decision and reiterated their commitment to holding the protest peacefully.

The doctors have invited the general public to join them in the ‘Droh Carnival’ as a show of solidarity. The protest aims to highlight the safety concerns of medical professionals in the state and demand justice for the victim of the R.G. Kar Medical College tragedy.