Calcutta High Court halts demolition of building on Waqf property in Kolkata

The Calcutta High Court granted a temporary reprieve on Sunday, preventing the demolition of a building located on Waqf property in the Tollygunge area of Kolkata. Residents of the building, allegedly constructed illegally, were dismayed as bulldozers arrived to carry out the demolition and a crowd gathered to protest. Police, central forces, the Kolkata Municipal Corporation, and the Kolkata Electric Supply Corporation Limited were present to oversee the drive.

An affected resident expressed concern about where they would go, as they were asked to vacate overnight. Another resident, Kumar Saha, claimed to have been assaulted and chased by locals when he inquired about the property, stating it was Waqf land and the residents were occupying it illegally. The High Court, with Justice Raja Basu Chowdhury presiding, heard the petition challenging the demolition.

Their legal representative stated that the municipal authorities had issued a show-cause notice and a demolition order under specific sections of the Kolkata Municipal Corporation Act, 1980. The court ordered a 30-day pause in the demolition process, allowing the petitioner to take further legal steps.