A division bench, also comprising Justice Hiranmay Bhattacharya, directed that the illegally asphalted tram tracks be repaired.
The court directed the Kolkata Police to conduct an investigation into complaints regarding bituminization of tram tracks and identify those responsible for such acts.
Although the court had earlier directed that tram tracks should not be bituminized, two complaints have been filed with the Kolkata Police alleging that bituminization was carried out at some places.
The court said it was difficult to believe that the criminals would have indulged in such acts without the “blessings of the appropriate authorities”.
The court directed that a compliance report along with supporting photographs be submitted to the court within four weeks, after which the matter should be heard again.
“Although abolishing tram services is a simple task, the defendant, as a welfare state, should also keep in mind the preservation of the cultural heritage of Kolkata city,” the court said.
The court further said that while the West Bengal government had set up a separate department to preserve the historical monuments of the metropolis, it did not understand why such a thought process was not followed regarding the tram. Ta.
The court said there are other countries, including Switzerland, where trams operate, and like in Kolkata, tram tracks run through the middle of roads.
The court noted that the Kolkata Police had cited this as one of the reasons for the accidents, and the state’s attorney general had also reiterated this position during his arguments.
