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Calcutta HC Sets March 31 Deadline for Bengal to Hand Border Land to BSF

The Calcutta High Court has ordered the West Bengal government to hand over acquired land to the BSF for border fence construction by March 31. The directive came from a division bench hearing a PIL concerning delays in securing the India-Bangladesh border. The court emphasized that the state cannot use administrative processes as an excuse, prioritizing national security. The next hearing in the case is scheduled for April 2.

Key Points: Calcutta HC Deadline for Bengal Border Fence Land to BSF

  • Court sets March 31 deadline for land transfer
  • Land is in nine border districts
  • Funds from centre already provided
  • PIL alleged state negligence on smuggling
2 min read

Fence along Bangladesh border: HC directs Bengal govt to hand over land to BSF by March 31

Calcutta High Court directs West Bengal govt to hand over land for India-Bangladesh border fence to BSF by March 31 for national security.

"Considering the national security of the country - Calcutta High Court"

Kolkata, Jan 27

The Calcutta High Court has issued a major directive regarding the construction of a barbed-wire fence along the India-Bangladesh international border in West Bengal.

On Tuesday, a division bench comprising Chief Justice Sujoy Paul and Justice Partha Sarathi Sen ordered the state government to hand over land to the Border Security Force (BSF) for the construction of the fence in nine districts bordering Bangladesh by March 31, said high court sources.

It may be noted that the central government has already provided the funds for this land acquisition, and the acquisition process has been completed. However, the land has not yet been handed over.

The High Court on Tuesday directed the state government to transfer the land as quickly as possible. The court also made it clear that the state cannot use the excuse of the Special Intensive Revision (SIR) process in this matter.

Furthermore, regarding the land acquisition that has not yet received the state cabinet's approval, the court will hear arguments from both the central and state governments.

Considering the national security of the country, all parties have been directed to submit affidavits on whether land along the border can be acquired on an emergency basis according to the law. The next hearing in this case is scheduled for April 2.

A public interest litigation (PIL) was filed by former army officer Dr Subrata Saha regarding the state's negligence in constructing the barbed-wire fence along the India-Bangladesh border.

He alleged that illegal smuggling and infiltration are rampant through the portion of the India-Bangladesh border located in this state, and held the state government responsible for this.

In the last hearing of this case, the division bench of the Calcutta High Court, comprising Chief Justice Sujoy Paul and Justice Partha Sarathi Sen, had directed the Principal Secretary of the state's Land Acquisition Department to submit an affidavit.

On Tuesday, the state government informed the court that the 181 kilometres of land for which the central government has provided funds for the construction of the barbed-wire fence along the India-Bangladesh border would be handed over to the BSF by March.

After hearing the arguments of all parties, the Chief Justice's division bench set March 31 as the deadline.

- IANS

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Reader Comments

P
Priyanka N
While security is important, I hope the land acquisition was done fairly and the farmers were properly compensated. Often in these projects, the local people suffer. The court must ensure their rights are protected too.
A
Arun Y
Good step by the HC. Border security is not a matter of state vs centre, it's about India's safety. The funds were already provided, so what was the delay? Kudos to Dr. Saha for filing the PIL.
S
Sarah B
As someone who has lived near the border area, this is a welcome move. The lack of a proper fence has made many villages vulnerable. Hope the BSF gets the land without further political hurdles.
V
Vikram M
March 31 deadline seems reasonable. Now the state govt has no excuse. National interest should always come first. Hope this fence helps curb cattle smuggling and other illegal activities effectively.
K
Karan T
Respectfully, I have to ask - will a barbed wire fence really stop determined infiltrators? We need a multi-layered approach with better technology and more BSF personnel. The fence is just one part of the solution.

We welcome thoughtful discussions from our readers. Please keep comments respectful and on-topic.

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