Traffic Jam or Contempt? HC Notices Mamata, Abhishek Banerjee in 2025 Rally Contempt Plea

The Calcutta High Court has directed Mamata Banerjee and Abhishek Banerjee to file affidavits in connection with a contempt petition alleging violation of its earlier order restricting complete road blockades during public gatherings.

A division bench comprising Justice Arijit Banerjee and Justice Apurba Sinha Ray issued the direction while hearing a petition filed by advocate Srikanta Dutta , who has accused the ruling Trinamool Congress (TMC) of violating a 2018 court mandate during its July 21 Martyrs’ Day rally in 2025 held at Esplanade in central Kolkata.

The petitioner has alleged that arterial roads in the city were fully blocked during the rally, causing severe disruption to public movement, and that this amounted to contempt of the High Court’s earlier directive. In its 2018 judgment, the court had clearly stated that while political rallies and public meetings may be held on thoroughfares, sufficient passage must be left open to ensure the movement of pedestrians and emergency vehicles.

The contempt petition was moved on June 19, prompting the court to initiate proceedings and issue notices to the concerned parties, including the TMC leadership. The petitioner argued that despite the binding nature of the earlier order, the 2025 rally allegedly resulted in complete obstruction of key arterial routes in the Esplanade area, in violation of the court’s directions.

During Friday’s hearing, the bench directed that affidavits be filed by Mamata Banerjee and Abhishek Banerjee within four weeks, placing on record their response to the allegations made in the contempt plea.

The court further granted the petitioner two weeks thereafter to file a rejoinder to the affidavits submitted by the respondents. The matter has now been listed for further hearing on August 17 .

The bench also noted the scope of the 2018 ruling delivered by a then division bench of the High Court, which had emphasised that public demonstrations on busy roads must not result in complete blockage and must allow uninterrupted access for essential and emergency services. With the latest directions, the High Court has effectively sought a formal explanation from the TMC leadership before determining whether there has been any wilful disobedience of its earlier order, which is a key requirement for establishing contempt of court.