The Calcutta High Court, on Monday, declined to provide an urgent hearing for a public interest litigation seeking orders against the use of drums during the celebration of the Muharram festival. The bench, comprising Chief Justice TS Sivagnanam and Justice Hiranmay Bhattacharyya, pointed out that the petition was placed as item number 856 on the causelist for the month of July.
The bench noted, "From the last few weeks, we are only hearing election matters, and we are unable to hear cases beyond serial number 5 of the daily board. Your matter is at 856, we cannot upgrade the board (grant urgent hearing)."
In response, the woman advocate, who brought up the matter, urged the bench to consider upgrading the list in order to hear her case. She emphasized, "Milords, every year this has become unbearable. From morning till late at night, there is continuous drum beating by young boys and men. We can't even say anything to them. This happens every year at least 15 days prior to Muharram."
Despite the advocate's plea, the bench did not agree to the request for urgent listing. It stated, "We can't grant an urgent hearing."
The advocate then highlighted that Muharram is on July 29 and the noise pollution caused by drum beating would commence from July 10.
In response, the Court said, "Let's see. If we reach your matter (item no. 869) in the monthly list, we will consider it. Otherwise, we cannot upgrade the list."
TAGS: Calcutta High Court urgent hearing public interest litigation drums Muharram festival Chief Justice TS Sivagnanam Justice Hiranmay Bhattacharyya causelist election matters noise pollution July 29 July 10.
