SC refuses nod to use mikes in Bengal rallies

The Supreme Court on Monday declined to entertain a petition filed by the West Bengal BJP challenging an order passed by the Mamata Banerjee government in 2013 imposing a blanket ban on the use of microphones in the state during February and March every year in view of examinations.

The BJP contended that this order would affect free canvassing during the ensuing general elections in April/ May. A bench of Chief Justice Ranjan Gogoi and Sanjeev Khanna rejected plea.

The CJI told senior counsel Mukul Rohatgi, “You are challenging an order of 2013?” Mr Rohatgi replied, “Yes, but it is applied every year. Your lordships had passed an order disposing of the appeal with the direction that we procure the requisite permission. We are not saying that you are coming late... but the children are writing their exams around this time,” remarked the Chief Justice.