4 days ago
Calcutta HC Denies Interim Relief to TMC Over Billboard Removal
A court in Kolkata considered a complaint by the Trinamool Congress about a billboard removed from an office.
The office is connected with Abhishek Banerjee.
City officials said the billboard was unauthorised and took it down.
The party wanted the billboard restored for now.
The judge said that would be like deciding the whole case too early.
The judge also refused to order the disclosure of officials’ names.
Police said 13 people were arrested during an incident at the building.
A party leader disputed reports that guards tried to stop the officials.
The Calcutta High Court refused interim relief to the Trinamool Congress over a dismantled billboard at Abhishek Banerjee’s office.
The Kolkata Municipal Corporation removed the alleged unauthorised signboard at 9, Camac Street on Thursday.
Justice Raja Basu Chowdhury said restoring the signboard would amount to granting final relief at an interim stage.
The court also rejected requests to disclose officials’ identities and restrain further municipal action based on apprehension.
Police said 13 people were arrested after reported resistance during the removal operation, while Derek O’Brien called resistance reports fake news.
- Who
- The Trinamool Congress, Abhishek Banerjee’s office, the Kolkata Municipal Corporation, police and the Calcutta High Court were involved.
- What
- The court refused interim protection after the municipal corporation removed an allegedly unauthorised TMC billboard.
- Where
- At 9, Camac Street in south Kolkata.
- When
- The billboard was removed on Thursday, and the court issued its order on Friday.
- Why
- The court said restoring the signboard would amount to granting final relief at an interim stage and that an injunction could not be based on mere apprehension.
Trinamool Congress’ Position
Authorities’ Position
Billboard removal
Trinamool Congress’ Position
The TMC challenged the dismantling and sought restoration of the nameboard and protection for the premises.
Authorities’ Position
The Kolkata Municipal Corporation treated the billboard as unauthorised and dismantled it with police assistance.
Events at the office
Trinamool Congress’ Position
Derek O’Brien described reports that private guards resisted the operation as fake news, saying the guards were posted at the entrance.
Authorities’ Position
Reports said private guards, supporters and party leaders scuffled with police and municipal officials while trying to prevent entry and removal; police said 13 people were arrested.
Further municipal action
Trinamool Congress’ Position
The TMC sought an injunction restraining authorities from taking steps concerning the premises and requested disclosure of officials’ names.
Authorities’ Position
The court declined both requests, saying no order could be based on mere apprehension and that the requested disclosure could not be ordered.
Key facts
- Court
- Calcutta High Court
- Judge
- Justice Raja Basu Chowdhury
- Site
- 9, Camac Street, south Kolkata
- Municipal action
- The Kolkata Municipal Corporation dismantled the billboard on Thursday.
- Arrests
- Police said 13 people were arrested in connection with the incident.
- Next step
- The parties were directed to file affidavits; the matter will be heard again upon mentioning.
Quotes
Justice Raja Basu Chowdhury
Calcutta High Court judge hearing the TMC petition
“Though the petitioner would insist for restoration of the nameboard, I find that it is too premature to seek such a prayer. The same would tantamount to granting of a final relief at an interim stage which is not permissible in law.”
telegraphindia.com
“It is also well settled that an order cannot be passed on the basis of mere apprehension.”
telegraphindia.com
Sources
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