HC directs Kolkata Book Fair organiser to arrange space for VHP's stall

The Calcutta High Court has ordered the Publishers and Booksellers Guild (Guild) to allocate space for the Vishva Hindu Parishad (VHP) at the 48th International Kolkata Book Fair, held from January 28 to February 9.

Justice Amrita Sinha criticized the Guild for denying VHP permission, citing rule changes.

The Guild argued that VHP lacked a publishing house and produced 'sensitive' books, but VHP countered it had been participating since 2011 through Vishwa Hindu Barta.

The court rejected the Guild's stance, emphasizing the absence of statutory rules.

The Guild must comply and report progress on January 20.