The Calcutta HC observed that all puja pandals will continue to be no-entry zones including an area of five-metre beyond the pandals on all the open sides. It was further directed that based on the size of the pandals, only limited people will be allowed entry within the permissible entry points.
A bench consisting of justices Rajasekhar Mantha and Kesang Doma Bhutia remarked how enormous crowds had gathered outside Durga puja pandals last month and keeping that in mind, asked the state govt to issue guidelines and ensure no overcrowding outside the puja pandals.
The Bench was adjudicating upon a Public Interest Litigation (PIL) petition moved by one Ajay Kumar De seeking directions to ensure crowd management during the upcoming festivals- Kali Puja, Jagadhatri Puja, Kartik Puja and Chhat Puja.
Although the court did note that the covid positivity rate in the state was only 5% it opined that the likelihood of relapse of the pandemic and or a third wave, cannot be ruled out and looms at large.
It has issued directions such as every pandal will continue to be no entry zones including an area of five-metre beyond the pandals on all the open sides. Sanitizers and masks are compulsory at every puja pandal and social distancing guidelines need to be followed. The immersion of the idol also needs to be a low-key affair.
