Kolkata, August 27: The Calcutta High Court has once again raised concerns about the allocation of government grants to Durga Puja clubs, warning that public money should not be disbursed to organisations failing to comply with audit requirements. The bench made it clear that the submission of utilisation certificates (UCs) is mandatory and non-negotiable for accessing state funds.
Court Questions Fund Accountability
During the hearing, Advocate General Kishore Dutta informed the bench that out of 41,795 clubs which received state funding last year, only three under the Siliguri Commissionerate had not submitted their reports.
Justice Sujay Paul, however, stressed that the court’s focus was not on the numerical scale of compliance but on the principle of accountability. “We don’t want to get into the data. Our point is, don’t give money to those who have not submitted the utilisation certificates,” the judge observed.
The comment reflects a larger judicial concern about transparency in the disbursal of taxpayer funds to community-based organisations during Bengal’s biggest festival.
Earlier Orders Recalled
Senior advocate Bikash Ranjan Bhattacharya reminded the bench that the High Court had earlier issued a similar directive, insisting that compliance with audit norms was a precondition for eligibility.
Justice Paul also referenced a September 13, 2022 ruling by Justice Prakash Srivastava, which had categorically stated that grants should only go to clubs adhering to the deadline for submitting UCs. The earlier order had already set the precedent that financial accountability cannot be overlooked in the name of tradition or festivity.
Hearing Deferred After Durga Puja
The bench noted that the matter would be taken up again after the Durga Puja recess, giving the state government additional time to ensure that its procedures aligned with judicial instructions.
The court’s remarks add another layer to the ongoing debate over public spending on Durga Puja clubs. Every year, the West Bengal government allocates crores of rupees to thousands of clubs across the state, justifying the grants as community support. However, opposition parties and civil society groups have often questioned whether such funding ensures accountability or is politically motivated.
Debate Over State Funding of Festivals
The issue of state support for Durga Puja celebrations has long been contentious. On one hand, proponents argue that Puja clubs play a vital role in fostering social cohesion, cultural pride, and local employment during the festival season. On the other, critics highlight concerns of partisan favoritism, lack of transparency, and poor financial monitoring.
The High Court’s consistent interventions reflect growing judicial scrutiny over how public funds are allocated and monitored. Legal experts point out that without strict compliance mechanisms, the state risks setting a precedent that undermines financial discipline.
A Question of Transparency and Trust
The latest order also reinforces the judiciary’s position that cultural importance does not exempt institutions from accountability. While Durga Puja is central to Bengal’s identity, the court has underlined that financial integrity remains equally important.
By linking state support to timely submission of utilisation certificates, the High Court seeks to establish a balance between promoting cultural heritage and ensuring public trust in financial governance.
As the state prepares for another festive season, the ruling could influence how clubs manage their funds, pushing for greater transparency in reporting and utilisation.