Durga Puja row: SC refuses to stay Bengal govts' order to grant Rs 10,000 to Durga Puja organisers; sought detailed affidavit

The Supreme Court refused to bar Bengal government orders to grant Rs 10,000 to Durga Puja organisers. The Supreme Court on Friday refused to stay the West Bengal government's order which had said to give Rs 10,000 each to various Durga Puja committees for celebrations. 

The top court issued notice to the state government and sought a detailed affidavit from it within six weeks.

Earlier, the state government had earlier told the Calcutta High Court that funds being alloted by them are given to the puja committees in connection with a road safety programme but the petitioner argued that the money is being "distributed through the police".

Kapil Sibal, senior Supreme Court advocate, presenting for West Bengal Government said, all funds are being given through "cheques only and it will be accounted for."

The Supreme Court was hearing a petition filed by advocate Sourav Dutta, challenging the Mamata Banerjee-ld TMC government's decision to give Rs. 10,000 each. There are total 3000 pujas in state capital Kolkata and 25000 pujas in the districts across West Bengal.

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