The Calcutta High Court has directed the West Bengal government to provide a response regarding a petition challenging the compulsory involvement of government employees in the International Yoga Day event set for June 21. Justice Amrita Sinha presided over the session on Thursday, instructing the State’s legal representative to gather instructions, with the matter scheduled for further hearing on Friday.
Background of the Petition
The petition was filed by the State Coordination Committee of the West Bengal Government Employees, contesting an order by the Chief Secretary of West Bengal. This order mandates the participation of state government officers and employees in the International Yoga Day event. Prime Minister Narendra Modi is expected to lead the national observance in Kolkata.
Arguments Presented
Senior Advocate Bikash Ranjan Bhattacharya, representing the petitioners, argued that enforcing participation in the yoga event contravenes statutory service rules applicable to government employees. He stressed that the Chief Secretary lacks the authority to impose such mandates. The Court observed that the directive seemed non-compulsory, yet Bhattacharya countered that departmental orders have made employee registration for the event obligatory.
State’s Position
Additional Advocate General Billwadal Bhattacharya clarified that participation was optional and that employees facing repercussions for non-participation could seek legal recourse. The Bench noted that the event aimed to raise awareness, acknowledging its health benefits. However, the counsel for the petitioners insisted that employees should have the autonomy to decide their involvement, with Justice Sinha remarking on the government’s interest in employee health.
Intentions Behind the Directive
AAG Bhattacharya explained the rationale behind the ‘request’ for employee participation: the aim was to break a record on International Yoga Day. Citing Andhra Pradesh’s previous record of three crore participants, he mentioned West Bengal’s ambition to surpass it. However, the Court advised against engaging in such competitive spirit, emphasizing unpredictability in outcomes.
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In defense, Bhattacharya described the initiative as a competition for a healthier India and promised to return with formal instructions from the State.
