Kolkata HC Orders CISF Relocation from Chinese School by April 30

Calcutta High Court Orders Relocation of CISF Personnel from Kolkata Chinese Language School

Kolkata, Monday, February 16, 2026 – The Calcutta High Court today directed the West Bengal government to ensure the relocation of Central Industrial Security Force (CISF) personnel stationed at Pei Mei Chinese language school in Kolkata’s China Town by April 30. The directive came in response to a petition filed by the school authorities seeking to regain full access to their premises for regular classes.

The CISF personnel have been housed in 18 rooms of the school since September 2024, initially for a period of two months, following a Supreme Court order related to security enhancements at R G Kar Medical College, and Hospital. The increased security measures were implemented in the wake of a tragic incident – the rape and murder of a post-graduate trainee at the hospital on August 9, 2024.

The school authorities argued that the continued presence of the security force was disrupting educational activities. They also highlighted the approaching Chinese New Year celebration, scheduled for February 17, and the need to prepare the school premises for the festivities.

During Monday’s hearing, Justice Krishna Rao was informed by a special officer appointed by the court that eight of the 18 rooms previously occupied by the CISF had been temporarily vacated to allow the school to prepare for the New Year celebrations. However, the remaining personnel – a total of 130 jawans – were now facing cramped conditions, with some reportedly sleeping on verandas due to the reduced space.

Counsel for the Union of India urged the court to consider the difficulties faced by the CISF personnel and requested that they be allowed to continue occupying the eight vacated rooms until the state government could provide alternative accommodation.

Amal Kumar Sen, representing the West Bengal government, assured the court that steps would be taken to find suitable alternative accommodation for the CISF personnel by April 30, at which point they would vacate the school premises entirely. The government has been directed to file an affidavit confirming this undertaking.

Monica Liu, representing the Pei Mei Chinese school, had previously stated that the school serves as a vital community center and place of worship for the Chinese community in Kolkata, further emphasizing the importance of restoring full access to the facilities. The school’s petition underscored the need to balance security concerns with the educational and cultural needs of the local community.

The court’s decision marks a significant step towards resolving the situation, ensuring both the continued security of R G Kar Medical College and Hospital and the resumption of normal operations at the Pei Mei Chinese language school.