Supreme Court Orders Immediate Demolition of Unauthorized Enemy Property Constructions in Kolkata

The Supreme Court has instructed the West Bengal government and Kolkata Municipal Corporation to demolish illegal constructions at an enemy property following the norms of the Enemy Property Act of 1968. The case has seen delays in compliance, and the state government has been admonished for failing to establish a functioning Municipal Building Tribunal.

The Supreme Court has mandated prompt demolition of unauthorized constructions at an enemy property in Kolkata, directing the West Bengal government and Kolkata Municipal Corporation to act immediately. The property, vested with the Custodian of Enemy Property for India, was under scrutiny for illegal structures, a situation exacerbated by the absence of a functional Municipal Building Tribunal.

A bench comprising Justices Surya Kant and Ujjal Bhuyan criticized the West Bengal government for its laxity and warned of contempt action if compliance was not ensured. The non-cooperation of local authorities has reportedly hindered the demolition efforts, with federal forces stepping in to assist.

The Supreme Court upheld the Calcutta High Court's earlier order requiring the state to constitute a tribunal within a week, a directive only partially fulfilled. The apex court has now given the state additional time to complete the tribunal's formation and submit a comprehensive compliance report, while advising the high court to commence contempt proceedings if the order is not fully adhered to.

(With inputs from agencies.)