Calcutta High Court petitioned over Kolkata ward delimitation

A petition has been filed in the Calcutta High Court challenging the proposed delimitation of wards within the Kolkata Municipal Corporation (KMC). The legal challenge seeks to cancel the delimitation process, which aims to increase the number of wards from 144 to 209.

The petitioner alleges that the exercise is being conducted in an unscientific manner without following prescribed legal procedures. Specific concerns raised include inadequate consideration of ward topography, population discrepancies, and inconsistencies in ward boundaries and areas.

The West Bengal government initiated this delimitation, the first for the KMC since 1984, ahead of civic elections expected to take place by the end of November. The CPI(M) has also raised objections, alleging political motives and claiming the new boundaries are designed to selectively split minority votes.

Justice Aryak Dutt has granted permission to file the petition, with hearings expected to proceed in the coming days.