Township of Edison sued by Indian community for denying right to celebrate Independence Day.

Township of Edison sued by Indian community for denying right to celebrate Independence Day.

Point of contact Law Offices of Frank C. Fusco, Esq. 973-896-8003 fuscoesq@hotmail.com or aapilaw@gmail.com

March 14, 2011

Edison, New Jersey, U.S.A.: The Mayor of Edison, New Jersey has denied a permit request of the Indian Business Association to continue a 15-year long tradition in the town. The Indian Independence Day parade has been a standard in the town for many years and is a tribute to the large number of immigrants from India who reside in the town. To this community, that has largely been responsible for the growth of Edison over the past 25 years, the parade is an important part of celebrating their national heritage.

The Indian Business Association (IBA), through their attorney, Frank C. Fusco, Esq. was forced to file papers in court to guarantee the right of the Indian people to celebrate their Independence Day. The Township, it was revealed in the filing, has placed unreasonable restrictions on the Indian people to celebrate their independence. The actions of Edison, it is alleged, have violated the Free Speech and Assembly rights of the Indian community, as well as violated their due process rights.

Mr. Fusco, expressing the frustration of the community stated; “This is simply a case of the Mayor jerking around the Indian community to settle some old political resentments. The Township has no right to deprive the Indian community of the right to celebrate Indian Independence. This is a sacred day to all Indians, and I will not let anyone or anything stand in the way of this most celebrated day.”

The Indian Business Association has been the lead organization and permit holder for the past 6 years. The IBA works in conjunction with over 95 organizations. The annual parade, held in August, is attended by over 35,000 people, numerous dignitaries and international celebrities.

Frank C. Fusco, Esq.