Kolkata, Aug. 28 -- The Calcutta High Court on Friday declined to grant interim relief to the Trinamool Congress over the removal of a billboard from its Camac Street office, observing that the party's apprehension of further action was "too premature".
Justice Raja Basu Chowdhury said the court could not pass an order based on assumptions. Since the billboard had already been removed, the court found no need for an interim direction at this stage. The parties were directed to file their affidavits within two weeks. Senior advocate Kishore Datta, appearing for the TMC, sought restoration of the billboard and directions restraining the Kolkata Municipal Corporation (KMC) from carrying out any further demolition at the party office.
The KMC submitted that the billboard had been installed without mandatory permission. It told the court that prior approval and payment of applicable taxes are required for putting up hoardings or billboards.
Counsel for Piramal Properties also opposed the installation, submitting that no permission had been obtained. It was submitted that the company had lodged a complaint with Shakespeare Sarani Police Station and sought to be added as a party.
The court also rejected the party's request to place on record the names of the civic and police personnel who participated in the operation.
Published by HT Digital Content Services with permission from Millennium Post.