The Calcutta High Court has put a hold on the September 4 notice to vacate parts of the Trinamool Congress office on Camac Street. The court ruled that despite an expired fire safety certificate, there is no immediate danger and the party is ready to comply with required measures.
- High Court stays the vacate notice
- Fire certificate expired but no immediate threat
- TMC pledges compliance; lease dispute continues
Court Verdict
The Calcutta High Court on Friday barred the Fire and Emergency Services Department (FESD) from enforcing its September 4 evacuation notice against the Trinamool Congress (TMC) office on Camac Street, Kolkata. Justice Krishna Rao directed authorities to hold the order and scheduled the next hearing for September 16.
Fire Safety Issues
The department’s inspection flagged that the building’s fire safety certificate had lapsed and identified an unauthorised roof structure as well as gas cylinders on the seventh floor. The cylinders have been removed, yet the department limited its action to the sixth and seventh floors, deeming them hazardous.
Lease and Ownership Dispute
TMC asserted it is the lessee of the sixth and seventh floors at 9 Camac Street, with the lease slated to expire on August 25. The property owner did not appear at the hearing, raising questions over who bears compliance responsibility. The court noted that even if the lease had terminated, occupants should be given a chance to rectify deficiencies before any eviction.
Why This Matters
BozokMedia analysis shows that the ruling highlights the delicate balance between political authority and regulatory enforcement in West Bengal, setting a precedent for how fire safety violations are handled when political offices are involved.
"Fire safety compliance is non‑negotiable for any entity, political or otherwise," says safety expert Dr. Anjali Saini.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q1: Will the TMC have to vacate once the fire certificate is renewed?
Q2: How does the lease dispute affect the ongoing legal battle?
