Kolkata, 13 November (H.S.) : The Calcutta High Court on Friday imposed an interim stay on the demolition of Trinamool Congress leader Jahangir Khan's residence in Falta, South 24 Parganas district. The demolition drive had been initiated under the instructions of the District Magistrate. Justice Shubhra Ghosh ordered the stay on the demolition work from Friday afternoon until 2 pm on the upcoming Monday.

The district administration had commenced the demolition on Wednesday morning on the occasion of Bhai Dooj. Before pulling down the structure, furniture and other belongings were removed from the premises. Subsequently, Jahangir Khan approached the High Court, alleging that the administration began the demolition without serving any prior notice to him or any member of his family.

During the hearing on Friday, Justice Ghosh asked Jahangir's counsel to present the approved building plan, making it clear that producing the document could resolve the issue. In response, the counsel informed the court that both his client and his wife are currently lodged in jail, and their son does not reside in that house. The lawyer alleged that despite knowing Jahangir was in judicial custody, the Zilla Parishad made no arrangements to serve the notice to him in prison.

The judge then raised questions regarding the ownership and the sanctioned plan of the house, directing the petitioner to produce concrete documents proving ownership. Noting the claim in the petition that the building plan had been stolen, the judge questioned why this complaint was not made earlier and why an FIR was not lodged at the local police station. Furthermore, the court sought an explanation from the State Advocate General regarding the procedure followed by the administration for issuing the notice. The judge questioned why no attempt was made to hand over the notice to Jahangir in jail. The court also took note of the allegation that the administration bypassed the mandatory rule of keeping a section of local residents present as witnesses before executing the demolition.

Following these arguments, the judge directed the administration to produce the video recording of the notice issued prior to the demolition. The court scheduled the next hearing for Monday afternoon, at which time the administration is required to submit the video evidence. The stay on the demolition will remain in effect until then.

According to regulations, prior approval from the Zilla Parishad is mandatory for constructing any building taller than two storeys. Questions had been raised over whether these rules were adhered to during the construction of Jahangir's house in Srirampur, Falta. Following a complaint, the district administration launched an investigation, and the matter eventually reached the court. The court had initially granted permission to demolish the illegal construction, prompting the administration to initiate the drive on Wednesday.

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Hindusthan Samachar / Satya Prakash Singh