The order came during a hearing before Justice Krishna Rao, who was informed that CISF jawans deployed at R.G. Kar Medical College and Hospital had been staying since September 2024 in 18 rooms of the Pei Mei Chinese School, located in Kolkata’s Chinatown district. The force was deployed following directions from the Supreme Court of India after the rape and murder of a postgraduate trainee doctor at the hospital in August 2024.
A court-appointed special officer reported that eight of the rooms were handed back to the school authorities on February 17 to facilitate Chinese New Year observances, leaving approximately 130 personnel confined to the remaining ten rooms. According to submissions made in court, the shortage has forced some jawans to sleep in verandas, raising logistical and welfare concerns.
Representing the state government, Additional Advocate General Amal Kumar Sen said authorities would relocate the personnel by April 30 and ensure the school premises are fully vacated by that date. He requested interim permission for the force to temporarily use the eight vacated rooms until alternate arrangements are completed.
The school’s management, represented through a petition filed by administrator Monica Liu, argued that continued occupation had disrupted classes and institutional activities. The plea stressed the urgency of restoring normal operations, noting that the premises had originally been provided for only two months as an emergency measure.
The deployment of CISF personnel followed nationwide protests after the August 8–9 incident, in which a trainee doctor was assaulted and killed inside the hospital’s seminar hall. Police later arrested civic volunteer Sanjay Roy, who was sentenced to life imprisonment on January 20. The crime had triggered sustained demonstrations across the state and disrupted medical services for weeks.
The High Court indicated that while security deployment was necessary, educational institutions could not be used as long-term barracks. It asked the state to expedite relocation and report compliance, signaling judicial concern over balancing security needs with civilian infrastructure.
Officials said they are now identifying suitable facilities to house the CISF contingent before the court’s deadline.
