The Calcutta High Court has strongly advocated for the restoration and preservation of heritage structures rather than their abandonment or destruction in favor of modern buildings. During a hearing on Thursday, a division bench led by Chief Justice TS Sivagnanam and Justice C. Chatterjee (Das) highlighted the significance of historical conservation, particularly in Kolkata.
Read Also:- Calcutta High Court Quashes Case Against YouTuber Accused of Mocking Mamata Banerjee
The court was addressing a matter related to the tram system in Kolkata, which has been an integral part of the city’s cultural and architectural heritage. The Chief Justice drew attention to the importance of maintaining historical landmarks, citing examples from his home state of Madras and the colonial architecture of Kolkata.
The Declining State of Heritage Buildings
Expressing concern over the deteriorating condition of heritage buildings, the Chief Justice lamented the state government’s lack of response regarding the restoration and utilization of significant landmarks like the Writers’ Building—the former state secretariat.
“What is the heritage recommendation for the Writers' Building, for this building (High Court)? You may make recommendations, but they won’t listen to you. Instead, they will build a 20-floor tower here,” remarked Chief Justice TS Sivagnanam.
Read Also:- Supreme Court Seeks Centre’s Stand on Compensation for COVID-19 Vaccine-Related Deaths
He also pointed out the poor condition of the old High Court building, noting that despite its historical value, there has been little effort to maintain it properly.
A Sinking Legacy: Urgent Need for Restoration
The Chief Justice shared his personal experience of witnessing the degradation of heritage buildings firsthand. He humorously noted how much effort was required to undo the damage done to his official residence, comparing it to the sinking condition of the High Court itself.
“You come to [the residence of the Chief Justice], you come there... it took me so much effort to dismantle the damage done. The floor is sinking... like the High Court is sinking here, the Chief Justice is also sinking,” he said, emphasizing the dire state of maintenance.
Kolkata’s Rich History at Risk
Chief Justice Sivagnanam highlighted how easy it is to demolish heritage structures instead of putting in the effort to restore them. He pointed out that history should not be erased in the name of modernization.
“You can destroy... destruction, removal, dismantling is easy. I will remove the tram, bituminize the tracks... everything can be done within 48 hours. Dump all the trams in a scrapyard, depots can be sold, tall buildings will come up. There is so much history in this state; nowhere else in the country will you find this,” he remarked.
Read Also:- BREAKING | Supreme Court Rules BNSS/CrPC Provisions Apply to GST & Customs Arrests
The court’s observations serve as a wake-up call for authorities and policymakers to prioritize heritage conservation. Kolkata’s rich architectural past, from its colonial structures to the iconic tram system, is an irreplaceable part of India’s history. The need for a balanced approach that blends modernization with preservation is more pressing than ever.
