A Single Bench of Calcutta High Court comprising Justice Rajasekhar Mantha took cognizance of the incident of alleged trespass at the premises of the Kolkata Zoological Garden over control of its employee's trade union.
Background of the Case
This issue concerns the Kolkata Zoological Garden maintained by the Government of India. On 24th January 2022, about 600-700 persons were stated to have forcefully entered the Zoo premises. The Zoo was not open to the public due to the Corona Pandemic. Admittedly there were about 80 permanent employees in the Zoo and about 130 temporary employees in the Alipore Zoo. There was only one Trade Union having 74 members called “Kolkata Zoological Garden Employees Association”.
The majority of members were affiliated with one political party as confirmed by the Zoo Authorities. Counsel for the State disputed the same. Upon receiving information of a likely attack by the rival political group to take over the Employees Trade Union, the petitioner and the employees warned the Management and Police but in vain.
Submissions made
It was submitted that on the fateful date, a group of about 600-700 persons, some of them with firearms and weapons, barged into the Alipore Zoo primarily through its main gate after breaking open its padlocks. Others jumped in over the surrounding walls.
It was further submitted that as of date, zoos of such trespassers are still available and found inside the Zoo premises and are staying illegal threat. Counsel for the Zoo Administration confirmed that in view of Pandemic, the Zoo is functioning only with about 50% staff.
Observation of the Court
This Court was inclined to know from the police as to steps taken pursuant to the complaints received by them. The court directed the Director of the Zoo to inspect the entire premises of the zoo for 2 days and then submit the report.
"Along with this as a part of deriving the entire circumstances court said that, The video footage of CCTV Camera, from 23rd January, 2022 till 28th January, 2022 shall be examined and a detailed report shall be submitted by the Police. A separate report shall also come from the Zoo Management after scrutiny of the CCTV Footage at their end. The CCTV Footage of police of 24th January, 2022, shall be made available in an unedited appropriate medium to the Zoo Authority by the Alipore/Watgunge Police. The reports and comments of the Zoo Authority shall be based not only on the footage received from the police but also from the footage of their own sources as available."
Court referred to Alipore and Watgunge Police Stations to maintain peace in the area.
Case Details
Case Title: Rakesh Kumar Singh v. Director, Alipore Zoological Garden & Others
Bench: Justice Rajasekhar Mantha
Read Order@LatestLaws.com
Picture Source :
