The case will heard Thursday.
In a blow to Mamata Banerjee government, Calcutta HC has extended stay on state government's decision to pay Rs 10,000 each to 28,000 durga Puja committees across West Bengal. The entire move will cost the state exchequer as much as Rs 28 crore. According to Zee 24 Ghanta, Calcutta HC chief justice Debashish KarGupta on Tuesday asked the state government about the criterion used to determine the puja committees who would be eligible for the grant from state government.
In reply, state counsel said that it is the government's prerogative to decide who get the money. The court can't interfere in it. Justice KarGupta then asked whether there is any leakage in the process. He immediately asked to ensure that no leakage take place. Lawyer and Left leader Bikas Bhattacharya who has appealed against the government's decision said that is an unconstitutional move as court had also asked to stop special grants for imam. The court after hearing argument of both sides extended its stay on government's decision till Thursday, 10th October.
In between, there was a debate about whether this case is fit to be heard by the court or not. That matter will be heard by Calcutta HC tomorrow.
In the ealier hearing the HC had asked how exactly is public money being used? What are the guidelines for granting the fund, and whether there is a cheque valve or not. The state was asked to file an affidavit to clarify these points. When the state counsel said that the money is being used for 'safe life, safe drive' scheme, the HC said that government should be aware that this is common people's money.
High Court asked whether there is a check and balance mechanism regarding this grant. Also it wanted to know whether similar grants are issued for other festivals. The HC also expressed displeasure with the fact that the notification to give money to clubs were taken even when the case is sub judice.
“Kolkata Municipal Corporation and State Emergency and Fire Services Department together will give 10,000 to each of the Durga puja committee in Kolkata. This money will be handed over Kolkata Police. In districts, Department of Tourism, Department of Consumer Affairs and Department of Self Help Groups along with the West Bengal Police will give 10,000 to each Durga puja committee. There are some naughty people, who will offer money, do not take it from them,” Mamata Banerjee had announced earlier.
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