Supreme Court Directs Calcutta HC to Tackle Illegal Constructions for Public Interest

Quick Summary

• The supreme Court has urged the Calcutta High Court too adopt a firm stance against illegal constructions in Kolkata in the larger public interest.
• A Bench of Justices J.B. Pardiwala and K.V. Viswanathan dismissed a construction firm’s petition challenging an order for demolishing unauthorized portions of its building.
• The High Court’s November 2024 order highlighted deliberate violations by builders, confirmed through an inquiry by Howrah Zilla Parishad, leading to demolition directives.
• In May 2024, the Calcutta High Court directed the Kolkata Police to form a Special Task Force to assist the Kolkata municipal Corporation (KMC) in demolition drives.
• A December 2024 Supreme Court judgment emphasized stricter accountability regarding illegal structures-extending obligation beyond builders to service providers, licensing authorities, and financial institutions.
• Unlawful constructions are highlighted as threats not only to safety but also to critical resources like electricity, groundwater supply, and infrastructural access.

Indian opinion Analysis

The Supreme Court’s call for decisive action against unauthorized buildings comes at a crucial time when urban areas face multifaceted challenges related to unplanned development.This judgment reinforces accountability among stakeholders at all levels-from municipal bodies managing permits to banks financing construction projects-and aims for systemic reform rather than piecemeal enforcement.

Illegal structures frequently enough lead to compromised safety standards and unsustainable pressure on city infrastructure. Ensuring compliance with legal norms is basic not only for citizens’ welfare but also for orderly economic progress within urban centers such as Kolkata. The formation of special task forces mirrors proactive governance but requires consistent efforts across legal frameworks and administrative oversight for tangible results.Read More: link