Calcutta High Court Rules Participation in PM Modi's Yoga Event Not Mandatory for West Bengal Government Employees

The Calcutta High Court has ruled that West Bengal government employees are not obligated to participate in the International Yoga Day event scheduled in Kolkata, which will be attended by Prime Minister Narendra Modi. This decision came after a government notification stated employees' presence was required. An organization representing government employees challenged the notification, arguing that participation should be voluntary. The court sided with the employees, stating the notification was merely an encouragement and not a mandatory directive. The state government had argued the event aimed to set a Guinness World Record for the largest yoga gathering. The court's ruling clarifies that no punitive action will be taken against employees who choose not to attend.

This judicial decision upholds individual freedom of choice and clarifies the boundaries of mandatory participation in state-sponsored events, impacting government employee rights.