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HC slams Bengal govt for delay in handing over land to BSF for border fencing
The Calcutta High Court rebuked the West Bengal government for not handing over the land necessary for BSF border fencing, noting that only eight kilometres of land had been transferred out of 127. It directed a detailed, district-wise affidavit within two weeks and imposed a cost for non-compliance, with a next hearing set for May 13, 2026.
Why It Matters
The ruling underscores judicial oversight in actions deemed critical to national security and clarifies the process for complying with court orders related to border land transfers.
Timeline
4 Events
April 28, 2026: next hearing scheduled
April 28, 2026
The High Court stated it would hear the case next on May 13, 2026.
April 22, 2026: court admonishes report and demands affidavit
April 22, 2026
The High Court directed the state government to file a detailed affidavit within two weeks, disclosing day-to-day steps district-wise taken to comply with the January 27 order. It expressed displeasure that only eight kilometres had been handed over so far and criticized the report as evasive and sketchy. A cost of ₹25,000 was imposed on the reporting officer for non-compliance.
Deadline for land handover by March 31, 2026
March 31, 2026
The court set a deadline of March 31, 2026 for handing over the 127 km of land to the BSF.
January 27, 2026 court directive to hand over land
January 27, 2026
A division bench of the Calcutta High Court, led by Chief Justice Sujoy Paul, directed the West Bengal government to hand over 127 km of land already acquired/purchased, for which compensation had been received from the Centre, to the BSF by March 31, 2026.