Calcutta High Court Criticises KMC for Report Delay

On Monday, the Calcutta High Court issued a sharp rebuke to the Kolkata Municipal Corporation (KMC) for its failure to submit a timely compliance report regarding a garment shop located on the ground floor of Paradise cinema. Justice delivered a stern warning, questioning the potential consequences of the delays: “You cannot go in a slumber for so many days… Assume an accident takes place, what is going to happen? It will be reported, an unauthorised construction was there, the matter was pending before the court and this accident has happened, and the court was sleeping,” she remarked.

The court’s frustration stems from ongoing issues related to the building’s classification. During a prior hearing, KMC acknowledged that while a trade licence had been issued to the shop, the necessary permission to convert the building from an assembly to a mercantile use had not been granted. This matter remains unresolved under sections 400 (1) and 416 of the KMC Act, 1980. The Justice had previously instructed the KMC Commissioner to provide an opportunity for hearing to all involved parties, yet the required compliance report remains pending.

In light of these delays, the court has underscored the critical need for KMC to expedite its review and ensure that all relevant legal and regulatory processes are completed swiftly. The delay not only raises concerns about adherence to statutory requirements but also highlights broader issues of public safety and regulatory oversight. The case continues to reflect the court’s commitment to enforcing compliance and addressing administrative lapses.