The Calcutta HC firmly stated on Tuesday that individuals incapable of upholding peace throughout a six-hour celebration do not merit elected representation. This declaration came amidst the court’s disappointment over the confrontations in Murshidabad district of Bengal during the Ram Navami festivities on April 17, which resulted in at least 19 injuries. Chief Justice TS Sivagnanam and Justice Hiranmay Bhattacharyya underscored that forthcoming Lok Sabha polls slated for May 4 and 13 should be annulled.

On Tuesday, a nine-judge panel of the Supreme Court initiated proceedings to interpret Article 39(b) of the Constitution. This aims to clarify whether this directive principle of state policy permits the government to manage and redistribute privately owned properties under the pretext of “material resources of the community” for the broader public welfare.