Court Grants Temporary Protection to Residents Challenging KMC Action

The Calcutta High Court on Friday granted interim relief to residents by ordering a status quo on demolition notices issued by the Kolkata Municipal Corporation (KMC) for certain buildings allegedly constructed in violation of municipal regulations.

The notices were served on buildings located in the Tiljala and Topsia areas of south-eastern Kolkata. The issue has drawn attention following a recent factory fire in the locality that resulted in the deaths of two people.

The interim order was passed by the vacation bench of Justice Shampa Dutt (Paul) while hearing a batch of petitions filed by tenants challenging the demolition notices.

The petitioners argued against the proposed demolition action and sought judicial intervention to protect their interests until the matter could be fully examined by the court.

After hearing the submissions, the court directed that the status quo be maintained until further orders, effectively putting the demolition process on hold for the time being.

The matter is now scheduled to be heard on June 22 before a regular bench of the High Court, which will consider the merits of the petitions and the legality of the notices issued by the civic authorities.

The case is expected to have significant implications for residents and property owners in the affected areas, particularly amid heightened scrutiny of building safety and compliance following recent incidents in Kolkata.