West Bengal: ‘Suspended’ TMC MLA Humayun Kabir lays foundation stone of ‘Babri Masjid’ after Calcutta HC refuses to intervene

Petition to stop ‘Babri Masjid’ foundation rejected by Calcutta HC (Image via ANI)

On Friday (5th December), the Calcutta High Court refused to intervene in the foundation stone-laying ceremony of the proposed Babri Masjid in Murshidabad, thereby allowing ‘suspended’ TMC MLA Humayun Kabir to go ahead with the controversial event.

The petition seeking a stay on the ceremony was filed by Dr Abdus Salam Shaikh, who argued that such a move could create a law-and-order problem in the area.

A division bench of Acting Chief Justice Sujoy Paul and Justice Partha Sarathu Sen, however, declined to intervene. The Court said that the main issue raised by the petitioner was related to maintaining peace and safety in the district, which is the responsibility of the administration. 

During the hearing, Advocate General Kishore Datta assured the court that the government was fully alert and would ensure strict law-and-order measures. Recording this assurance, the court disposed of the petition and said that the State must follow its own stand to protect the lives and properties of the people.

“The State must act as per its stand, and the law and order situation shall be maintained in Murshidabad strictly, and the lives and properties of the citizens will be protected,” the Bench observed.

Suspended TMC MLA goes ahead with ceremony

Just a day after the High Court’s order, on Saturday, 6th December, a foundation stone-laying ceremony for what the organisers are calling the ‘Babri Masjid’ took place in Beldanga town of Murshidabad district of West Bengal. A group of local Muslims gathered with bricks to mark the beginning of the construction.

Videos from the spot were widely shared on social media. People were seen chanting slogans in support of suspended Trinamool Congress MLA Humayun Kabir, saying “Humayun Kabir zindabad”, as they brought bricks for the foundation.

Kabir, who earlier announced that he wanted to build a ‘Babri-inspired’ mosque, was suspended on Thursday, 4th December, from the TMC over these remarks. The party distanced itself from the event after issuing disciplinary action against him on 4th December.

Kabir claims full support from the police

Despite opposition and controversy, Humayun Kabir remained determined to go ahead with the ceremony. Speaking to the media on Saturday (6th December), Kabir declared that he has the support of Mamata’s police.

He said, “I will lay the foundation stone of Babri Masjid today. Police are supporting me. I have already spoken with them. Following the Calcutta High Court order yesterday, the police are supporting me. They have provided me security…”

Kabir claimed that preparations for the mosque foundation were already underway before the court order and insisted that he would continue with his plan.

Speaking about the foundation stone laying of the mosque, Kabir said that a grand event was being organised in the Moradighi area of Beldanga, in which about 40,000 people will participate in the event. Security has been stepped up at Rejinagar, and the administration has deployed a large police force to maintain law and order in the area. Senior police officers also held discussions with Kabir over the proposed event on Saturday. 

Leader of Opposition Suvendu Adhikari said that people have objections to the term ‘Babri Masjid’ and the Trinamool Congress suspension of Humayun Kabir was only an eyewash. Adhikari said that he is certain that the Mamata Banerjee administration will allow the construction of the mosque in Murshidabad.

Written by OpIndia Staff
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