In a firm directive issued on Friday, the Calcutta High Court (HC) instructed the West Bengal government to take all necessary measures to prevent communal unrest in Beldanga, Murshidabad, ahead of a controversial “foundation stone-laying” ceremony planned by suspended Humayun Kabir. The proposed event—framed as the beginning of constructing a mosque styled after the demolished Babri Masjid in Ayodhya—is scheduled for December 6, the anniversary of the 1992 demolition.
A division bench comprising Acting Chief Justice Sujoy Paul and Justice Partha Sarathi Sen declined a plea seeking to block the ceremony. Instead, it placed the responsibility of preserving law and order squarely on the state administration. The bench noted that the government and its security agencies must ensure the protection of life and property in Murshidabad.
Law enforcement preparations have already been significantly strengthened. According to submissions made in court by the state’s Advocate-General, a large contingent of police and central forces have been deployed, including 19 companies of the Central Industrial Security Force (CISF). On the ground, around 3,500 security personnel — including units of the Rapid Action Force (RAF) and two companies of the Border Security Force (BSF) — have been mobilised across Rejinagar and nearby areas. Several forces have also been positioned on standby to secure key routes like NH-12.
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Despite the heightened tension, Kabir has pressed ahead with the arrangements. He reportedly oversaw preparations, including distributing 30,000 biryani packets for attendees, and said the event would feature Quran recitations and volunteers, asserting that there would be no political speeches or party flags. Meanwhile, the state government has affirmed its commitment to prevent any incident of violence or disruption.
The court’s stance reflects its decision to stay out of judicial intervention, while empowering the state to ensure peace — underlining that any disturbance could have serious consequences. Observers note that the sensitivity surrounding the original Babri Masjid site makes the planned event in Murshidabad especially volatile.