The Calcutta High Court has directed a joint inspection of the building at 15G, Mirza Ghalib Street, Kolkata, where nine people were killed in a massive hotel fire in August this year, to enable the occupants to retrieve their personal belongings and essential documents from the premises.

Justice Arjun Ray Mukherjee directed that the joint inspection be conducted between November 5 and November 7, from 10 am to 3 pm, in the presence of an officer of the New Market Police Station and a responsible officer of the West Bengal Fire Department.

The Court also directed the Divisional Fire Officer-in-Charge, South Kolkata Division, to consider the occupants' representation challenging the evacuation order issued after the fire and pass a reasoned order after granting an opportunity of hearing to the affected parties.

The incident took place at around 2:07 am on August 19, 2026, at the five-storey building at 15G, Mirza Ghalib Street, which housed several hotels, including Shikha Inn.

The fire claimed nine lives, including those of several Bangladeshi nationals who had travelled to Kolkata for medical treatment. The victims included a child. Several others were rescued from the building during an extensive firefighting and evacuation operation.

The tragedy had raised serious questions about fire-safety arrangements in the building, with reports indicating inadequate firefighting infrastructure and the absence of proper emergency escape facilities. Following the incident, the Fire Department declared the premises dangerous and unfit for habitation and ordered all occupants to vacate the building.

On August 19, the Divisional Fire Officer-in-Charge, South Kolkata Division, West Bengal Fire and Emergency Services, exercising powers under Section 37A(1) of the West Bengal Fire Services Act, 1950, directed the residents and occupiers to vacate the premises within one hour of service of the order. The premises were subsequently vacated and sealed.

The occupants thereafter approached the High Court challenging the evacuation order. During the hearing on October 28, a Coordinate Bench was informed that the petitioners wished to retrieve their personal belongings and essential documents from the premises.

The Coordinate Bench had accordingly directed the Officer-in-Charge of New Market Police Station to remain present at the subsequent hearing to ascertain a suitable date and time for the occupants to visit the premises.

During the hearing before Justice Arjun Ray Mukherjee, the State's counsel handed over a letter dated November 2, 2026, issued by the Officer-in-Charge of New Market Police Station, informing the Court that an inspection for removal of articles could be conducted on November 5.

Taking note of the communication, the Court directed that a joint inspection be conducted over three days, from November 5 to November 7, between 10 am and 3 pm. The exercise would enable the petitioners to collect their belongings and essential documents, including bank papers.

The inspection is to take place in the presence of the Officer-in-Charge of New Market Police Station or an authorised officer of the police station, along with a responsible officer of the West Bengal Fire Department.

The Court also considered the petitioners' submission that a representation dated August 27, 2026, made to the Divisional Fire Officer-in-Charge after the evacuation order, had remained unconsidered.

Referring to Section 37A(4) of the West Bengal Fire Services Act, 1950, the Court noted that no person can remove the seal placed on the premises except under a written order passed by the Director or the superior nominated authority, either suo motu or on an application made by the owner or occupier.

Accordingly, the Court directed the respondent authority to consider the representation dated August 27 within two weeks from the date of communication of its order, after extending an opportunity of hearing to the petitioners and any other occupiers, owners or interested persons.

The authority was further directed to pass a reasoned order, in accordance with law, within one week from the date of such hearing.

Both writ petitions were accordingly disposed of.