Kolkata Municipal Corp Closure Notice Set Aside

Authority: Kolkata High Court

Order Date: 02 November 2026

Case Overview

• Petitioners: Archana Chowdhury and others (Ors.)
• Respondents: Kolkata Municipal Corporation and others (Ors.)
• Writ Petition No.: WPA 31449 of 2026
• Issue: KMC issued a notice on 31 August 2026 directing closure of a guest house operated by the petitioners, alleging operation without permission under Section 416 of the Kolkata Municipal Corporation Act, 1918.
• Petitioners' claim: They possess a valid licence to operate the guest house, reliance placed on Annexure P‑1 attached to the writ petition.
• Respondent's position: No documentary evidence was produced to show that the petitioners were given an opportunity of hearing before the closure notice was issued.
• Court's observation: The corporation failed to demonstrate that a prior hearing was afforded, rendering the closure notice procedurally defective.

Final Outcome

• The closure notice dated 31 August 2026 is set aside.
• The Kolkata Municipal Corporation is directed to afford the petitioners a hearing within one month from the communication of this order.
• After the hearing, the corporation may pass an appropriate order in accordance with law.
• The writ petition (WPA 31449 of 2026) is disposed of.

Topics: Municipal Regulation, Guest House Licensing