Kolkata

The Calcutta High Court on Friday issued an interim stay on the demolition order for 140 hotels, resorts, and lodges in Mandarmani, West Bengal, which had been scheduled for demolition by the District Magistrate of East Midnapore. The court’s stay will remain in effect until December 13, with the next hearing set for December 10. Justice Amrita Sinha directed the District Magistrate to submit a detailed report on the issue before the next hearing.

The demolition order followed a 2022 directive from the National Green Tribunal, which ruled that these establishments violated Coastal Regulation Zone (CRZ) guidelines. The deadline for demolition was set for November 20, 2023. However, just before the deadline, the West Bengal Chief Minister intervened, halting the decision and criticizing the district administration for not consulting higher authorities before issuing the notification.

Hotel owners, who face significant financial losses and potential job cuts, challenged the order in the High Court. The ruling party, Trinamool Congress, blamed the previous Left Front government for failing to follow proper procedures and emphasized the negative impact on both businesses and employees in the region.