Calcutta HC orders BMC to demolish unauthorised building

18 Oct 2023 CW Team

In a significant legal ruling, the Calcutta High Court has issued a directive to the Bidhannagar Municipal Corporation (BMC) to demolish an unauthorized construction located in Shantinagar, Salt Lake Sector V by 1 pm. Additionally, the court has instructed the BMC to disconnect power and water supplies to the building. The BMC is required to submit an action taken report (ATR) on Tuesday in response to this order.

Justice Abhijit Gangopadhyay issued the demolition order following the non-compliance of the builder responsible for the unauthorized construction, who had been directed by the court to appear before it. The counsel representing the Bidhannagar Municipal Corporation informed the court that the builder failed to attend the corporation's hearing, despite receiving a notice.

The court, in a compassionate move, granted the residents of the building situated at 181 Shantinagar the liberty to approach the court, seeking rehabilitation. The petitioner, Panchibala Poley, resorted to the high court after the Bidhannagar Municipal Corporation did not take action following the petitioner's complaint to the corporation. Subsequent to the High Court's order, a team comprising BMC officials, demolition workers, and the police proceeded to the site to commence the demolition process but encountered resistance from local residents.

This legal development underscores the High Court's commitment to addressing unauthorized constructions and ensuring that due process is followed, while also extending a path for potential rehabilitation for affected residents.

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