Calcutta High Court Stays Permission for CPI(M) Bookstall

The Calcutta High Court division bench, led by Chief Justice Ravindra V Ghuge, stayed a single-judge order that previously allowed the CPI(M) to set up a bookstall in Bongaon. The court ruled that no roadside stalls, including those using only a table and umbrella, can operate without official permission, emphasizing equality before the law.

During the hearing, the state argued the party lacked authorization, and the Chief Justice ordered that all unauthorized stalls along the roadside be removed. The bench has issued notices to all involved parties and scheduled the next hearing for January 21 to address the legality of the proposed site.

Editor's note: Clear summary of the court proceedings and the division bench's ruling on unauthorized stalls.