The Calcutta High Court has directed the West Bengal government to ensure that law and order are maintained ahead of a controversial event involving the proposed construction of a mosque modeled after the Babri Masjid in Ayodhya. The foundation-laying ceremony, planned for December 6, the anniversary of the Babri Masjid demolition, has sparked political tensions and raised concerns about potential communal unrest.

The court's directive came in response to a Public Interest Litigation (PIL) seeking a stay on the foundation-laying ceremony for the proposed mosque in Beldanga, Murshidabad district. The PIL argued that the event could disrupt communal harmony in the region, particularly given the sensitivity of the "Babri Masjid" name and the anniversary of the demolition. The petitioner also requested the court to take immediate action against Humayun Kabir, the suspended Trinamool Congress (TMC) MLA behind the initiative, for his allegedly provocative remarks.

While the High Court declined to halt the event, it emphasized the state government's responsibility to maintain peace and directed it to take all necessary measures to prevent any breach of law and order. The court also instructed the Union government to cooperate with the state government in maintaining law and order on the day of the event. The state government assured the court that adequate police forces have been deployed to ensure that peace is not breached. The Union government informed the court that 19 companies of Central Armed Police Forces are already stationed in Murshidabad following communal riots in April and are ready to be deployed if needed.

Humayun Kabir, who was suspended from the TMC for engaging in "communal politics," welcomed the High Court's decision, calling it a "befitting reply" to the petitioners. He affirmed that the foundation-laying ceremony would proceed as planned, with 2,000 volunteers deployed to maintain order and cooperation sought from the district administration. Kabir has also announced his intention to launch a new political party later this month.

The proposed construction has faced opposition, with concerns raised about the location of the mosque in Beldanga, a communally sensitive area. The owner of the land identified by Kabir as the construction site has stated that he does not intend to allow a mosque to be built there.

Senior TMC leaders are reportedly working to mobilize public opinion against any form of provocation. The TMC has distanced itself from Kabir's statements, emphasizing that they are his personal views and not endorsed by the party. The event has become a major political flashpoint in West Bengal, with heightened security measures in place to prevent any untoward incident.