Authority: High Court at Calcutta
Order Date: 15 September 2026
Case Overview
- Petition: Gurupada Paul, President of Haldia Refinery Sramik O Karmachari Vishwakarma Puja Utsab Committee, filed W.P.A. 25554 of 2026 seeking a "No Objection" certificate from the West Bengal police to hold Vishwakarma Puja on 18th and 19th September 2026.
- Background: A memo dated 24 August 2026 issued by the Assistant Manager (Administration) of Haldia Dock Complex, Syama Prasad Mookerjee Port (SMPK), granted permission to hold the puja on SMPK land subject to several conditions, including obtaining clearances from West Bengal Police, West Bengal Fire & Emergency Services, and the CISF.
- Issue: The petitioner obtained provisional clearance from West Bengal Fire & Emergency Services but could not secure the required police "No Objection" certificate because the Haldia Police Station refused permission. The State respondents argued that other conditions, notably CISF permission, were still unmet, and therefore the police should not grant the certificate.
- Court Findings: The Court observed that the puja is to be organized on SMPK land, not public land, and that the only pending requirement for fire‑service clearance is the police "No Objection" certificate. The Court found no public interest impediment to granting the certificate.
Final Outcome
- The Inspector‑in‑Charge, Haldia Police Station (respondent No.4) is directed to issue the "No Objection" certificate to the petitioner by 16 September 2026.
- The certificate will enable the petitioner to obtain the necessary clearance from West Bengal Fire & Emergency Services for conducting the puja on 18‑19 September 2026.
- The Committee must strictly adhere to all conditions stipulated in the 24 August 2026 memo, including obtaining CISF permission.
- The writ petition is disposed of.
- Both parties' advocates are directed to immediately convey the gist of this order to the concerned police authority and to act on the server copy downloaded from the official court website.
Topics: Court Order, Police Clearance, Religious Event