Calcutta High Court Sets Deadline for Border Fencing Land Status
The Calcutta High Court has issued a significant directive to the West Bengal government concerning the ongoing India-Bangladesh border fencing project. On Thursday, the court ordered the state administration to submit a detailed affidavit within 15 days clarifying the current status of land that needs to be transferred to the Central government.
Court Proceedings and Government Response
A division bench led by Acting Chief Justice Sujay Paul delivered this order after hearing submissions from the Additional Solicitor General (ASG). The ASG presented a concerning revelation to the court - despite the Centre having released funds for land acquisition, the West Bengal government had not yet handed over the necessary land parcels for the border security project.
The ASG specifically requested the bench to issue an interim order to expedite the land transfer process. However, Acting Chief Justice Paul exercised judicial restraint and declined to pass any interim order at this stage, instead opting to give the state government a clear 15-day window to formally present its position through the affidavit.
The Critical Border Security Project
The dispute centers around the 2,216-kilometre international border that West Bengal shares with Bangladesh. A significant portion of this extensive border remains unfenced, creating potential security vulnerabilities. The Central government's fencing initiative aims to secure these unprotected segments, but the project has been stalled due to land acquisition issues.
The court's intervention comes at a crucial time when border security remains a top priority for both state and central authorities. The 15-day deadline sets the stage for what could be a pivotal development in this long-standing infrastructure and security project.
Legal experts suggest that the court's measured approach - refusing an interim order while setting a strict deadline - demonstrates the judiciary's attempt to balance urgency with due process. The upcoming affidavit from the West Bengal government is expected to provide clarity on the exact reasons for the delay and a proposed timeline for resolving the land transfer impasse.
