Calcutta High Court Tells State Not To Continue Demolishing Rooftop Restaurants, Asks Why Notice Was Not Given Before Demolition

The Calcutta High Court has orally instructed the state authorities not to continue demolishing rooftop cafes and restaurants in the city, after owners of a restaurant on Park Street approached the court stating that their buildings were being demolished without any notice, and immediately after the issuance of stop work notices.

Justice Gaurang Kanth did not pass an official stay order but recorded the state counsel's assurance that no further action would be taken till the matter is heard by the court.

The matter came up for urgent hearing after counsel representing the restaurant owners approached the High Court claiming that their property was under immediate threat of demolition owing to a directive issued by the Kolkata Municipal Corporation banning rooftop restaurants, after a fire at a hotel recently killed multiple people.

Court questioned the state as to why, even if the structure was illegal, no notice was issued to the petitioners. State submitted that instructions would need to be sought on the same, and thus the matter was posted for hearing at a later date with assurance from the state over no further action.

Case: NAVGARH FOODS AND ENTERTAINMENT LLP AND ANR VS KOLKATA MUNICIPAL CORPORATION AND ORS

Case No: WPO/329/2025