Calcutta HC orders demolition of Sebashray camp structures linked to Abhishek Banerjee
Synopsis
The Calcutta High Court has ordered the immediate demolition of two Sebashray health camp structures at Falta, South 24 Parganas — structures linked to TMC's Abhishek Banerjee that allegedly sat idle on a community playground long after the camps stopped functioning. With a state probe already ordered and complaints of medical negligence mounting, the court's move marks a significant judicial escalation against the initiative.
Key Takeaways
The Calcutta High Court ordered the immediate demolition of two Sebashray camp structures at Falta, South 24 Parganas .
The order was passed by a bench of Acting Chief Justice Tapabrata Chakraborty and Justice Atarup Banerjee on a petition by Aminuddin Khan .
The structures were linked to TMC General Secretary and Diamond Harbour MP Abhishek Banerjee's Sebashray health camp initiative.
Complaints allege the camps were run by medical students and interns rather than registered doctors, leading to patient complications.
Chief Minister Suvendu Adhikari had in July ordered a state health department probe into the irregularities.
The Calcutta High Court on Wednesday ordered the immediate demolition of two structures erected for the Sebashray health camp initiative — associated with All India Trinamool Congress (TMC) General Secretary and Diamond Harbour MP Abhishek Banerjee — located at Falta in South 24 Parganas district. The court acted on a petition alleging the structures were built illegally on a community playground and have remained standing long after the camps ceased operations.
What the Court Ordered
A division bench comprising Acting Chief Justice Tapabrata Chakraborty and Justice Atarup Banerjee passed the order while hearing a petition filed by Aminuddin Khan. Khan argued that the two temporary structures, built in the name of the Sebashray health camp, had deprived local residents of access to a playground previously used for school sports events, cricket and football tournaments, and various government and social programmes. The bench directed their immediate demolition and removal.
Background: What Were the Sebashray Camps
The Sebashray health camps were launched by Abhishek Banerjee — also the nephew of former West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee — across the Diamond Harbour Lok Sabha constituency to provide medical services to residents. Several temporary camp structures were constructed ahead of the state assembly elections. The camps reportedly stopped functioning well before the demolition order was issued.
Complaints of Irregularities
Since the change of regime in West Bengal following the assembly polls earlier this year, multiple complaints of irregularities have surfaced against the Sebashray camps. According to reports, the camps were allegedly run by medical students and interns rather than qualified doctors holding proper registration numbers. Separately, there were complaints that patients treated at these camps subsequently developed severe medical complications, reportedly due to incorrect lines of treatment administered there.
Government Probe Ordered
In July this year, Chief Minister Suvendu Adhikari — addressing the floor of the West Bengal Assembly — said the state health department would conduct a detailed probe into the irregularities at the Sebashray health camps. Wednesday's court order adds judicial pressure to what is already a politically charged scrutiny of the initiative. The matter is now expected to draw further legal and legislative attention as the probe progresses.
Frequently Asked Questions
What did the Calcutta High Court order regarding the Sebashray camps?
The Calcutta High Court ordered the immediate demolition and removal of two temporary structures built for the Sebashray health camp initiative at Falta in South 24 Parganas. The bench acted on a petition by Aminuddin Khan, who alleged the structures were illegally erected on a community playground.
What are the Sebashray health camps?
The Sebashray health camps were a medical outreach initiative launched by TMC General Secretary and Diamond Harbour MP Abhishek Banerjee across his constituency to provide healthcare to local residents. Several temporary structures were built ahead of the West Bengal assembly elections, though the camps reportedly ceased functioning well before the court order.
What irregularities have been alleged against the Sebashray camps?
Complaints allege that the camps were operated by medical students and interns rather than qualified, registered doctors. Patients reportedly developed severe medical complications later, attributed to incorrect treatment administered at the camps.
Has the West Bengal government initiated any probe into the camps?
Yes. Chief Minister Suvendu Adhikari stated in the West Bengal Assembly in July this year that the state health department would conduct a detailed investigation into the irregularities at the Sebashray health camps.
Who filed the petition that led to the demolition order?
Aminuddin Khan filed the petition before the Calcutta High Court, arguing that the two idle structures had unlawfully occupied a playground used for school sports, cricket and football tournaments, and community programmes, depriving local residents of its use.
