The Calcutta High Court on Friday granted an interim stay on the demolition of alleged illegal constructions in Mandarmoni, a seaside resort town in West Bengal’s Purba Medinipur district.
The stay was ordered in response to a petition filed by the Mandarmoni Hoteliers’ Association, challenging a notice issued by the West Bengal State Coastal Zone Management Authority (WBCZMA) and the district magistrate of Purba Medinipur.
The notice, dated November 11, directed the demolition and cleaning of illegal constructions, including hotels, resorts, and homestays in Mandarmoni, by November 20. This notice was based on a May 2022 order by the National Green Tribunal (NGT).
Justice Amrita Sinha, while passing the interim order, stated that the notice issued on November 11 would not be enforced until December 13 or until further orders, whichever comes earlier. The petitioners argued that the Coastal Regulation Zone (CRZ) for West Bengal had not yet been published, making it impossible to clearly identify which structures were considered illegal under the law.
Additionally, the petitioners contended that the demolition order was beyond the scope of legal provisions.
The court also observed that there was an immediate threat of demolition and therefore granted the interim stay. It directed the Union of India and other respondents to file reports addressing the petitioner’s claims by December 4.
The petitioners are expected to submit any replies by the next hearing, scheduled for December 10. The matter will be heard in more detail at that time.
