Sat Jan 25 20:49:35 UTC 2025: **Kolkata Book Fair Grants VHP Stall After Court Rejection**

KOLKATA, January 26, 2025 – In a surprising turn of events, the organizers of the International Kolkata Book Fair have granted a stall to the Vishva Hindu Parishad (VHP) after the Calcutta High Court dismissed their petition for one. The VHP’s application, initially rejected by the Publishers and Booksellers Guild, was denied on the grounds that the fair only allocates stalls to publishers, booksellers, and magazines.

The court upheld the Guild’s decision, stating that denying the VHP a stall did not infringe on their rights to freedom of speech or business. However, the Guild subsequently granted a stall to the VHP’s monthly magazine, *Visva Hindu Varta*, under the magazine’s name. While the VHP requested a 700 sq.ft. stall, they received a smaller space of 200 sq.ft.

This decision comes amid controversy surrounding the Guild’s rejection of other organizations, including the Association for Protection of Democratic Rights (APDR), whose petition was also dismissed by the court. Critics point to the inconsistency of the Guild’s policy, noting that other organizations with publications are participating in the fair. The Guild maintains that they only allocate stalls to entities with publishing arms.

The 48th International Kolkata Book Fair is scheduled from January 28 to February 9 at Boimela Prangan in Kolkata’s Salt Lake.

Read More