Kolkata: In a 26-year-old case over the demolition of an unauthorised building, the Calcutta High Court on Friday reprimanded the Howrah Municipal Corporation (HMC), saying that while other administrations are “actively” using JCBs to demolish illegal structures, HMC has taken years to act despite the court’s orders.Justice Saugata Bhattacharyya gave the corporation time till Aug 7 to inform the status of demolition and observed if that is not satisfactory, he would issue a contempt rule.“Only on a case to case basis, you are taking steps. The court had to sit on Sunday to protect the rights of citizens and in this matter when court has asked you to demolish, you are not active or vigilant enough and deferring,” he said.On the court’s query on the delay, HMC counsel submitted, “After the change in govt, we have got a new demolition squad.
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The demolition drive has started from June 10. But it will take two more months to complete the demolition.”The petitioner stated that the building has developed cracks and it’s worsening with rainwater seeping in.The case dates back to May 12, 2000, when the HMC ordered the demolition of two buildings at 23/1, Salkia School Road for violating building plan. The structures, approved for two storeys, had been extended to five, with further deviations on the ground and first floors. Despite the demolition order, the HMC took no action.The Calcutta HC’s single bench in 2006 had directed for demolition within six weeks but nothing was done. After multiple litigations, the court in 2024 had directed for demolition and also ordered that if HMC found it difficult to execute that, they could take assistance from police.
