10 hrs ago
Calcutta High Court Orders CBI Probe Into Illegal High-Rises
The Calcutta High Court is worried about buildings that may have been constructed illegally.
It asked the Central Bureau of Investigation, or CBI, to investigate the matter.
The buildings are in areas including Rajabazar, Maniktala, Beleghata and Canal Street.
The CBI must find which buildings may be illegal and who helped build them.
It must also examine whether black money was involved.
The court wants to know whether the Kolkata Municipal Corporation failed to act after receiving complaints.
More than 50 high-rise buildings are reportedly being examined.
The CBI must give the court an early report by October 14.
The Calcutta High Court directed the Central Bureau of Investigation to investigate alleged illegal high-rise construction between Rajabazar and Canal Street.
The CBI must identify the buildings, those involved, and any role played by the Kolkata Municipal Corporation.
The court ordered the agency to submit a preliminary report by October 14 in the form of an affidavit.
More than 50 high-rise buildings in the area are reportedly under the court’s scrutiny.
The court also sought details on compliance with earlier orders to identify and demolish illegal buildings.
- Who
- The Calcutta High Court, the Central Bureau of Investigation, the Kolkata Municipal Corporation and petitioners in a public-interest litigation.
- What
- The court ordered a CBI probe into alleged illegal high-rise construction and the roles of people and authorities connected to it.
- Where
- The areas between Rajabazar and Canal Street, including Maniktala and Beleghata, within the Kolkata Municipal Corporation area.
- When
- The order was issued on Friday; the CBI must submit a preliminary report by October 14.
- Why
- The court cited concerns over alleged illegal construction, possible circulation of black money and inaction despite complaints.
Court and Petitioners’ Concerns
Authorities’ Responses and Position
Alleged civic inaction
Court and Petitioners’ Concerns
The court questioned why the Kolkata Municipal Corporation had not acted despite repeated complaints and asked the CBI to examine its role.
Authorities’ Responses and Position
The CBI’s counsel said the previous government had not been willing to allow the agency to conduct an investigation.
Extent of illegal construction
Court and Petitioners’ Concerns
The petitioners and court raised concerns about alleged illegal high-rises in several Kolkata areas, with more than 50 reportedly under scrutiny.
Authorities’ Responses and Position
The report does not include a definitive finding from authorities confirming which buildings are illegal; the CBI is expected to identify them.
Possible financial motive
Court and Petitioners’ Concerns
The court said illegal buildings could be used to bring black money back into circulation and directed the CBI to investigate who may have helped make such money white.
Authorities’ Responses and Position
No accused individuals or confirmed financial wrongdoing were identified in the reported proceedings.
Key facts
- Investigating agency
- Central Bureau of Investigation
- Court
- Calcutta High Court
- Areas mentioned
- Rajabazar, Maniktala, Beleghata, Canal Street and the stretch toward Canning Street
- Buildings under scrutiny
- More than 50 high-rise buildings, according to sources cited in the report
- Report deadline
- October 14
- Required report format
- A preliminary report submitted as an affidavit
- Earlier court action
- In May 2024, the court directed police to assist the Kolkata Municipal Corporation in forming a task force to identify and demolish illegal buildings
Quotes
Calcutta High Court bench
Division bench headed by Chief Justice R.V. Ghuge
“The CBI, after identifying the illegal buildings, will also have to find out the persons involved who helped or made black money white with such illegal activity”
telegraphindia.com
“Construction of illegal buildings in the Rajabazar, Maniktala, Beleghata and Canal Street areas is a matter of grave concern”
telegraphindia.com
Sources
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