The Calcutta High Court has permitted rival factions of the Trinamool Congress Chhatra Parishad (TMCP) to hold separate programmes commemorating the organisation's Foundation Day on August 28.

The Court, however, declined to permit either faction to organise its programme at Mayo Road near the Gandhi statue, where the groups had proposed to hold their respective Foundation Day celebrations.

Justice Saugata Bhattacharya permitted both factions to organise indoor programmes at separate venues, subject to conditions, including a restriction on attendance to 1,500 persons, instead of the proposed 10,000.

The matter came before the Court amid a dispute between the rival factions over the proposed Foundation Day celebrations of the TMCP, which is scheduled to be observed on August 28.

During the hearing, the Court explored the possibility of the rival groups holding a joint programme so as to avoid any potential law-and-order situation. However, the parties could not reach an agreement on holding a common event.

In view of the failure to arrive at a consensus, the Court permitted both factions to conduct separate indoor programmes.

At the same time, the Court refused permission for either group to hold its programme at May Road near the Gandhi statue.

The Court's directions were aimed at ensuring that the rival programmes do not result in any disturbance or law-and-order issue in the city.

The permission for the indoor programmes has been made subject to a cap of 1,500 attendees.

The Court also made it clear that the organisers would have to comply with all applicable conditions and directions of the authorities while conducting the programmes on August 28.

The TMCP observes August 28 as its Foundation Day every year. The dispute before the High Court arose from competing claims by rival factions seeking permission to organise commemorative programmes at the same location.

With the parties unable to agree to a joint celebration, the Court has consequently allowed both groups to hold separate indoor events while denying permission for the proposed outdoor gathering at Mayo Road.

SUDIP RAHA VS STATE OF WEST BENGAL AND ORS.

WPA/22205/2026