Plea In Calcutta High Court Challenges 7-Day Closure Of Kolkata's Red Road For International Yoga Day Event

The Calcutta High Court on Wednesday heard the mentioning of a plea challenging the complete closure of Kolkata's Red Road and adjoining roads for seven days in connection with celebrations for International Yoga Day on June 21.

Appearing before the Court, counsel submitted that an Advocates' Association had moved the petition questioning a traffic notification that allegedly provided for the closure of Red Road for seven days for an event involving around one hour and fifteen minutes of yoga on Sunday.

"Milord, the Advocates' Association is challenging the closure of Red Road for seven days," counsel submitted.

Referring to the traffic notification, counsel argued that extensive restrictions had been imposed on public movement and urged the Court to take up the matter.

Counsel submitted that the petition sought a writ of mandamus directing the authorities to ensure "reasonable uninterrupted pedestrian and vehicular access" to Red Road and connected roads during the period of restrictions.

"We pray for a mandamus for reasonable uninterrupted pedestrian and vehicular access to Red Road and connected roads. They are completely stopped for seven days," counsel submitted, while seeking liberty to serve the respondents and return before the Court.

Accordingly, the court allowed the counsel to move the plea after serving notice on all parties.

The petition challenges the traffic arrangements put in place for the International Yoga Day programme scheduled to be held on June 21 at Kolkata's Red Road. Notably, Prime Minister Narendra Modi is scheduled to attend the event to be held on Red Road.