The Calcutta High Court has ordered the removal of decorative light shops and other unauthorised occupants from the compound and approaches of Kolkata's oldest Parsi fire temple at 26 Ezra Street by July 15. This decision clears the way for urgent restoration of the Grade I heritage structure on Ezra Street.
Court Order Details
Justice Arindam Mukherjee, hearing an application by the Official Trustee of West Bengal under the Official Trustees Act, ruled that the premises, which includes the constructed agiary and open spaces around it, must be freed of encumbrances. This will allow repair teams, materials, and conservation experts to access the temple from all sides.
The court noted that a recent joint survey by the Official Trustee, Kolkata Municipal Corporation (KMC), and Kolkata Police revealed that persons occupying portions of the property or adjoining public thoroughfares failed to produce documents proving lawful tenancy or licence.
Survey and Demarcation
The order also instructed KMC architects to prepare a scaled sketch plan of the temple and the entire premises, marking the constructed area, open spaces, and boundaries. The Official Trustee, KMC, Kolkata Police, temple authorities, and, if required, KMC's heritage committee and the state land department have been directed to demarcate the property. They must examine whether several addresses on Parsee Church Street (19, 20, and 21) and Ezra Street (20, 21, 22, 23, 25, 26, 27, and 31) form part of the temple estate. The matter will return to court on July 16.
Intervention Claims
Nine applicants claiming occupation of parts of the vacant area sought to intervene in the proceedings, describing themselves as tenants. The court stated that their claim to be added as parties would be considered only after demarcation and based on their asserted rights.
Inspection and Background
KMC officials inspected the nearly two-century-old agiary last month, where over 90 shops selling fancy lights have long crowded the frontage and open areas. Officials from the civic heritage, building, and licence departments, along with police from Hare Street police station, joined the survey to prepare a report for the court.
