Calcutta HC Halts Demolition of TMC Leader Abhishek Banerjee's Office Building
- Calcutta High Court stopped further demolition of a structure in Amtala that houses TMC leader Abhishek Banerjee's MP office.
- The order came during a Sunday hearing after excavators had already started work on the property, which authorities claim is 'illegal'.
- Banerjee accused the Bengal Police and administration of acting outside the law, saying those meant to uphold the law had become lawbreakers.
Court Intervenes on Sunday
The Calcutta High Court on Sunday ordered an immediate halt to the demolition of a building in Amtala that houses the MP office of Trinamool Congress (TMC) leader Abhishek Banerjee. The order came during an urgent hearing convened after authorities began pulling down the structure earlier in the day.
Excavators had moved into the site and started work on the property, which local officials have described as 'illegal'. The court's intervention provided temporary relief to Banerjee, who is the party's national general secretary and a sitting Member of Parliament.
Banerjee Hits Out at Police
Shortly after the demolition began, Banerjee launched a sharp critique of the state police and administration. 'Those meant to uphold the law have become lawbreakers,' he said, slamming the Bengal Police for what he termed an extra-legal action.
The TMC leader's office has been a flashpoint in local politics. Supporters gathered at the site as news of the demolition spread, leading to a tense atmosphere. The police have not yet issued a formal statement on the reason for the demolition or the basis for declaring the building illegal.
Legal Battle Ahead
The High Court has directed all parties to maintain the status quo until the next hearing. The state government is expected to file a response explaining the demolition order and its legal justification.
Banerjee's legal team argued that the demolition was carried out without proper notice or due process. They are likely to seek further relief and a probe into the circumstances that led to the bulldozer action on a Sunday.
This is not the first time the TMC leader's properties have come under scrutiny. In recent months, multiple structures linked to party leaders have faced legal challenges and demolition orders, with the opposition accusing the state government of selective targeting.
What to Watch
The court is expected to hear the matter again in the coming days. The outcome will determine whether Banerjee's office can be restored or if the demolition will resume after a legal review. Political tensions in the region remain high, with both the TMC and opposition parties watching the case closely.