KMC serves notice to Abhishek Banerjee's father over Kalighat building violations
Synopsis
The Kolkata Municipal Corporation has now directly summoned Amit Banerjee — brother of Mamata Banerjee and father of TMC MP Abhishek Banerjee — over alleged building violations at two Kalighat properties, even as he and his wife fight earlier notices in the Calcutta High Court. With Leaps and Bounds Private Limited also under scrutiny, the KMC probe is widening beyond a routine civic matter into one with clear political overtones.
Key Takeaways
KMC issued a notice to Amit Banerjee on 24 July over alleged building-rule violations at two Kalighat properties in south Kolkata.
Amit Banerjee is the father of TMC MP Abhishek Banerjee and brother of former CM Mamata Banerjee .
The notice was issued under Section 401 of the KMC Act, 1980 , directing him to appear before the Borough IX Buildings Department with relevant documents.
Amit Banerjee and wife Lata Banerjee have challenged earlier KMC notices in the Calcutta High Court , denying any rule violations.
Properties linked to Leaps and Bounds Private Limited , of which Amit Banerjee is a director, are also reportedly under KMC scrutiny.
The Kolkata Municipal Corporation (KMC) on Friday, 24 July issued a formal notice to Amit Banerjee, father of Trinamool Congress (TMC) national general secretary and Lok Sabha MP Abhishek Banerjee, over alleged building-rule violations at two residential properties in the Kalighat area of south Kolkata. The notice calls on Amit Banerjee to appear before the Buildings Department of KMC's Borough IX office with all relevant property documents. No immediate response was received from him, and it remains unclear whether he will comply with the civic body's direction.
What the Notice Demands
The notice was issued under Section 401 of the Kolkata Municipal Corporation Act, 1980, which empowers the civic body to demand approved building plans, construction documents, and permits for verification. KMC officials said the inquiry is focused on determining whether construction at the two properties exceeded approved specifications or deviated from sanctioned building plans.
Notably, Amit Banerjee is the brother of former West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee, making the notices politically significant at a time of heightened scrutiny of the ruling TMC's inner circle.
Background: Inspections and Prior Notices
The summons follows a series of inspections by KMC officials at Abhishek Banerjee's Kalighat residence in recent weeks. Notices had already been served to members of the household as part of that inquiry. The Corporation is conducting a broader investigation into alleged irregularities in the construction of multiple properties linked to the Banerjee family in the Kalighat locality.
Properties owned by Leaps and Bounds Private Limited are also reportedly under KMC scrutiny, according to sources. Amit Banerjee is listed as one of the directors of the company.
Legal Challenge in Calcutta High Court
Following the earlier round of notices, Amit Banerjee and his wife Lata Banerjee moved the Calcutta High Court challenging the civic body's action. In their petition, they maintained that both properties were constructed in full compliance with KMC building regulations and that no rules had been violated. They sought quashing of the notices.
The High Court petition adds a legal dimension to what is already a politically charged civic inquiry, and the outcome of that challenge could determine whether KMC's investigation proceeds unimpeded.
What Happens Next
It remains to be seen whether Amit Banerjee will appear before the Borough IX office as directed or rely on the ongoing High Court proceedings. The KMC's investigation into properties linked to the Banerjee family is ongoing, and further notices or enforcement action cannot be ruled out depending on what the document review reveals.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why did KMC issue a notice to Amit Banerjee?
KMC issued the notice to Amit Banerjee on 24 July over alleged building-rule violations at two residential properties in Kalighat, south Kolkata. The civic body wants him to appear before its Borough IX Buildings Department with property-related documents for verification.
Who is Amit Banerjee?
Amit Banerjee is the father of TMC national general secretary and Lok Sabha MP Abhishek Banerjee, and the brother of former West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee. He is also listed as a director of Leaps and Bounds Private Limited, whose properties are also reportedly under KMC scrutiny.
Has Amit Banerjee responded to the KMC notice?
No immediate response was received from Amit Banerjee following the notice. He and his wife Lata Banerjee have, however, moved the Calcutta High Court to challenge earlier notices from KMC, maintaining that both properties were built in full compliance with regulations.
Under what law was the KMC notice issued?
The notice was issued under Section 401 of the Kolkata Municipal Corporation Act, 1980, which empowers KMC to seek approved building plans, construction documents, and permissions from property owners for verification.
What is the scope of KMC's investigation into Banerjee family properties?
KMC's inquiry covers multiple properties linked to the Banerjee family in Kalighat, including Abhishek Banerjee's residence, two properties belonging to Amit Banerjee, and assets associated with Leaps and Bounds Private Limited. The investigation focuses on whether constructions exceeded approved specifications or deviated from sanctioned plans.
