Mamata hits back at HC ruling, says 'no one can tell me what to do'

West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee on Thursday hit back at the Calcutta High Court over its ruling on Durga idol immersion, stating that anyone can 'slit my throat, but no one can tell me what to do.'

The Calcutta High Court today revoked Mamata Banerjee's order on Durga idol immersion and instructed the police to make separate routes for both Durga idol immersion and Muharram processions.

While addressing a gathering at the Ekdalia Evergreen Club here, Mamata said, "I will do what I can to keep peace in the state. Also, someone can slit my throat, but no one can tell me what to do".

The court, in its ruling, had added that Durga idol immersion can continue till 12 a.m. on all days, including on Muharram.

During the hearing, the court said that one cannot impose restrictions on the basis of a mere assumption of law and order disruption over the state government's notification.

Acting Chief Justice of Rakesh Tiwary of Calcutta High Court asked the State Government, "Just because you are the state, can you pass arbitrary order? Prohibition means that you are taking last step first."

They further said, "If you (State Government) get a dream, that something will go wrong, you cannot impose restrictions."

On August 23, Mamata sparked a controversy when she declared that Durga idols would not be immersed after 6:00 p.m. on September 30 (Dussehra) and October 1 because of Muharram.