Kolkata: A Chinese language school must be vacated by April 30 , following a Calcutta High Court order. The West Bengal government must ensure the relocation of Central Industrial Security Force (CISF) personnel. These officers have occupied 18 rooms at the Pei May Chinese School for over a year.
Court Mandates School Eviction
The court directed the state government to provide an undertaking. This undertaking will confirm the CISF’s relocation from the school. The school is located in Kolkata’s Chinatown area.
A special officer appointed by the court informed Justice Krishna Rao. Eight of the 18 rooms were returned to the school. This return facilitates Chinese New Year celebrations on February 17.
School’s Plea for Evacuation
The Pei May Chinese School approached the High Court. They requested an order for the CISF to vacate. The school cited the need to resume classes. They also highlighted the upcoming Chinese New Year.
Lawyers for the Union of India informed the court. 130 CISF personnel were housed in the 18 rooms. Eight rooms were vacated for the New Year. The remaining personnel now occupy 10 rooms. This has led to difficulties, with some officers sleeping on verandahs.
Government Assures Relocation
The Union’s lawyer requested continued use of the eight vacated rooms. This was until the state government arranged alternative accommodation. This request followed the Chinese New Year festival.
The Additional Advocate General, representing the West Bengal government, made a submission. He stated that the state would find new premises for the CISF by April 30. The CISF will vacate the school by this date.
Background of CISF Deployment
Justice Rao ordered the West Bengal government to file an affidavit. This document serves as an undertaking. It confirms the CISF’s relocation and the school’s vacation by April 30.
CISF jawans have been at the Pei May Chinese School since September 2024. They were initially expected to stay for two months. The school’s management confirmed this timeframe.
The CISF was deployed at R G Kar Medical College and Hospital. This deployment followed a Supreme Court order. It occurred after a rape and murder incident on August 9, 2024. An on-duty postgraduate trainee was the victim.