The Calcutta High Court on Monday dismissed a petition challenging municipal orders, making it clear that civic responsibilities cannot be brushed aside through technical arguments. The hearing took place in a packed courtroom where the petitioners tried to argue that the Kolkata Municipal Corporation (KMC) had acted without proper jurisdiction.
Background
The dispute stemmed from a long- standing conflict between private property owners and the Kolkata Municipal Corporation. The petitioners, identified as Anr and others, had questioned the Corporation's authority in issuing notices concerning alleged violations in property use. Their lawyer pressed hard, contending that the municipal body had ''overstepped its boundaries'' and attempted to penalize them without lawful basis.
Read Also : Delhi High Court Urges Law Commission to Amend Disability Act for Fair Allocation of Unfilled College Seats
KMC, on the other hand, defended its action, insisting that the notices were a result of repeated complaints from neighbors and residents. The municipal counsel highlighted that the petitioners were given ample opportunity to comply but chose litigation instead.
Court's Observations
Justice of the Calcutta High Court listened to arguments patiently before intervening with some sharp remarks.
''Citizens cannot simply wish away their duties towards the city they live in,''
the bench observed at one point, emphasizing that municipal laws exist to maintain order and fairness.
The Court also noted that petitioners had received prior warnings and had failed to cooperate. Their plea, according to the judge, appeared more like an attempt to delay compliance rather than a genuine grievance.
''The Corporation has a statutory duty, and unless the petitioner shows gross illegality, this court cannot interfere,'' the order recorded.
The judge explained that while individual rights are important, they must be balanced against the community's larger interests. A city like Kolkata, struggling with infrastructure challenges, cannot afford residents openly disregarding civic rules.
Decision
After a detailed hearing, the High Court dismissed the petition. The judge upheld the Kolkata Municipal Corporation's authority to enforce its notices and directed the petitioners to comply without further delay. No relief was granted.
With this, the matter came to an end inside the courtroom, the judge rising after remarking that citizens have equal responsibilities in shaping a livable city.
