The Calcutta High Court has raised security concerns after an inspection of its rooftop found a locked room containing Islamic religious books, mattresses, furniture and other belongings.
A Division Bench comprising Chief Justice Ravindra V. Ghuge and Justice Om Narayan Rai was hearing a public interest litigation filed by advocate Sanjay Ghosh over the use of the High Court’s rooftop for religious activities.
On September 30, the Bench directed the High Court Registry to inspect the rooftop and ascertain whether a mosque had been constructed there and whether prayers were being offered.
The Registry subsequently submitted its report along with colour photographs. According to the report, no mosque had been constructed on the rooftop. However, officials found a small room containing Islamic religious books and literature intended for reading by members of the Muslim community.
The room also contained mattresses, plastic chairs, stand fans, a cupboard, buckets, tubs, water pitchers and a basket containing footwear. Both wooden doors of the room were locked.
Court questions advocate Ezaz Hossain over keys
The custody of the keys became a key issue during the inspection.
According to the Registry’s report, officials were informed that the keys to the room were with advocate Ezaz Hossain, who occupies Bar Association Room No. 12. Hossain later arrived at the spot with three other advocates, following which the room was opened for inspection.
The Bench expressed surprise that a practising advocate reportedly had the keys to a locked room within the High Court premises.
The court directed Hossain to explain how the keys to both wooden doors came into his possession. The petitioner has also been permitted to implead him as a respondent without re-verification of the petition.
Hossain’s explanation is awaited.
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अगली सुनवाई: 14 दिसंबर।
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High Court security committee asked to review arrangements
The Bench observed that the keys to rooms, doors, court halls, staircases and other parts of the High Court premises should remain with the High Court Administration.
It noted that the administration is responsible for the security of the court buildings and tower. The High Court also has a Security Committee comprising serving judges to examine security-related matters.
The Bench directed the Registry to place copies of the latest order and the order dated September 30 before the committee.
The committee has been asked to examine the security arrangements, including the custody of keys, and submit its observations to the court in a sealed envelope.
The proceedings are now examining both the use of the rooftop room and the arrangements governing access to the High Court premises.
Religious use of rooftop under scrutiny
The case concerns allegations that the rooftop was being used for group prayers. However, the Registry’s findings, as recorded in the court proceedings, confirmed the presence of a room containing religious materials but did not establish that a mosque had been constructed there.
Questions about the room’s use, the custody of its keys and the security arrangements remain before the court. Any further allegations of illegal occupation or encroachment would require separate evidence.
The matter has been listed for December 14, 2026, in the urgent supplementary/admissions category.
The High Court is expected to consider the advocate’s response and the observations of its Security Committee as the proceedings continue.
Case: Sanjay Ghosh vs The High Court at Calcutta and Others
