The Calcutta High Court on September 2, directed authorities to demolish and remove temporary structures associated with Trinamool Congress MP Abhishek Banerjee’s Sebashray initiative in Falta, South 24 Parganas.
The direction was issued by a division bench headed by Acting Chief Justice Tapabrata Chakraborty while hearing a petition challenging the construction of two temporary structures near the Falta Block Development Office.
The petitioner, Falta resident Aminuddin Khan, alleged that the structures had been erected by occupying land used as a playground and garden. He argued that the space was regularly used by local residents, schools and government authorities for sporting and community activities.
Court orders demolition of temporary structures
The court directed the removal and demolition of the Sebashray camp and temporary structures reportedly constructed in the name of a medical college.
During the hearing, the Acting Chief Justice also questioned whether police assistance would be required to carry out the demolition and removal of the structures.
The direction followed allegations that public land had been occupied for the temporary facility, affecting the use of the area by local residents.
Petitioner claims playground was used for sports
According to the petition, the land near the Falta BDO office was not merely vacant public space but was being actively used as a playground and garden.
The petitioner said the ground hosted school sports, cricket and football tournaments, besides government programmes and other social activities.
Khan alleged that the construction of the temporary structures had disrupted these activities and caused inconvenience to residents.
The court’s intervention has now put the use of the land for the Sebashray facility under judicial scrutiny.
What is Sebashray?
Sebashray is a healthcare initiative launched by Abhishek Banerjee in his Diamond Harbour Lok Sabha constituency to provide medical services to local residents.
Temporary facilities were established at different locations as part of the initiative, particularly ahead of the Assembly elections.
The Falta facility was described by the petitioner as the largest Sebashray centre in Abhishek Banerjee’s constituency.
The petition also claimed that approximately Rs 5 crore had been spent on the Falta facility.
Dispute over public land
The case raises questions over the use of public spaces for temporary infrastructure connected with welfare and healthcare programmes.
While Sebashray was presented as a healthcare initiative, the petitioner’s objection centred on the occupation of land being used as a playground and garden.
The High Court’s order means the structures covered by the proceedings will have to be demolished and removed, subject to implementation of the court’s directions by the concerned authorities.
The development also highlights the importance of ensuring that public welfare initiatives comply with land-use rules and do not prevent communities from accessing spaces designated for public use.
