Archive · 2 Sep 2026
Orissa High Court upholds cancellation of BAMCEF, BMM conventions
BAMCEF and BMM planned large meetings in Cuttack in December 2025.
Local authorities first gave them provisional permission.
Later, officials cancelled the permission because they were worried about peace and safety.
They pointed to a video that they said could increase tension between communities.
The organisations said the cancellation was unfair and cost them money.
The Orissa High Court said people can hold peaceful meetings, but public safety must also be protected.
The court decided that the cancellation was not illegal or arbitrary.
It allowed the organisations to apply again for meetings in December 2026.
Fees already paid may be used for those future events.
The Orissa High Court upheld cancellation of BAMCEF and BMM conventions planned in Cuttack.
The events were scheduled at Lower Baliyatra Ground from December 26 to 30, 2025.
Authorities cited a video containing allegedly provocative and divisive statements and concerns over communal peace.
The organisations said permission had initially been granted and that cancellation caused financial losses.
The court allowed a fresh application for December 2026 and permitted adjustment of previously deposited fees.
- Who
- The All India Backward (SC/ST/OBC) and Minorities Communities Employees’ Federation (BAMCEF) and the Bharata Mukti Morcha (BMM).
- What
- The Orissa High Court upheld cancellation of permission for their national conventions but allowed a fresh application for December 2026.
- When
- The cancelled conventions were scheduled for December 26–30, 2025; the court addressed the matter after the December 21, 2025 cancellation order.
- Where
- Lower Baliyatra Ground in Cuttack.
- Why
- Authorities cited apprehensions of communal disruption and a breach of public order linked to a circulated video.
Organisations' position
Administration's position
Validity of permission
Organisations' position
BAMCEF and BMM said permission had initially been granted by the Deputy Commissioner of Police and the Collector's office.
Administration's position
The State said only provisional permission had been issued and that final permission from the Collector, the competent district authority, had not been granted.
Reason for cancellation
Organisations' position
The organisations challenged the cancellation and said it was based on a video circulated on YouTube, after they had already made arrangements and paid fees.
Administration's position
The administration said a video uploaded on behalf of the organisations contained provocative and divisive statements that could disturb communal harmony.
Response to the video
Organisations' position
The petitioners sought permission for the conventions on revised dates in December 2026.
Administration's position
Officials said the organisations had not disowned the video in their response to a show-cause notice, supporting preventive action.
- Cancelled events
- The 42nd BAMCEF National Convention and 15th BMM Convention.
- Planned dates
- December 26–30, 2025.
- Venue
- Lower Baliyatra Ground, Cuttack.
- Cancellation order
- Issued on December 21, 2025.
- Administration's concern
- Officials cited a video with provocative and divisive statements and Cuttack's communal sensitivity.
- Future application
- The organisations may apply afresh to hold the conventions in December 2026 under the prescribed guidelines.
- Fees
- Fees already deposited with statutory authorities may be adjusted against the proposed future event.