Locked room with Islamic religious books found on Calcutta HC rooftop; Court questions advocate Ezaz Hossain over keys

The Calcutta High Court has clarified that no mosque was found on its rooftop during an inspection ordered in a public interest litigation. However, the Registry found a locked room containing Islamic religious literature, mattresses and other items, while the keys were reportedly held by advocate Ezaz Hossain. The Bench has sought an explanation from the advocate and referred the matter to the court’s Security Committee.

NewsBharati    15-Oct-2026 19:38:01 PM
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The Calcutta High Court has raised security concerns after an inspection of its rooftop found a locked room containing Islamic religious literature, mattresses and other items used for reading and prayer.

Calcutta High Court
Image : The New Indian Express

A Division Bench comprising Chief Justice Ravindra V. Ghuge and Justice Om Narayan Rai was hearing a public interest litigation filed by advocate Sanjay Ghosh concerning the alleged use of the High Court’s rooftop for religious activities.
 
On September 30, the Bench directed the Registry to inspect the area and ascertain whether a mosque had been constructed there and whether prayers were being offered.
 
The Registry subsequently submitted its report, accompanied by colour photographs. According to the report, no mosque had been constructed on the rooftop. Officials, however, found a small room containing religious books and literature intended for reading by members of the Muslim community.
 
The report also recorded the presence of mattresses, plastic chairs, stand fans, a cupboard, buckets, tubs, water pitchers and a basket containing footwear. Both wooden doors of the room were locked.
 
Why were the keys with advocate Ezaz Hossain?
 
The possession of the keys became a key concern during the inspection.
 
According to the Registry’s report, officials were informed that the keys to the room were with advocate Ezaz Hossain, who occupies Bar Association Room No. 12. Hossain reached the spot with three other advocates, following which the room was opened for inspection.
 
 
The Bench expressed surprise that a practising advocate was in possession of the keys to a room within the High Court premises.
 
The court has directed Hossain to explain how the keys to both locked wooden doors came into his possession. The petitioner has also been permitted to implead him as a respondent without re-verification of the petition.
 
The advocate’s explanation is now awaited.
 
Court refers matter to security committee
 
The Bench observed that the keys to rooms, doors, court halls, staircases and other parts of the High Court premises should remain with the High Court Administration.
 
It noted that the administration is responsible for the security of the court buildings and tower. The High Court also has a Security Committee comprising serving judges to oversee security-related matters.
 
Considering the security implications, the Bench directed the Registry to place copies of the latest order and the order dated September 30 before the committee.
 
 
The committee has been asked to examine the security arrangements and the custody of the keys and submit its observations to the court in a sealed envelope.
 
The proceedings have therefore focused not only on the nature of the room and its contents but also on how access to a part of the High Court premises was being managed.
 
Allegations of religious use under scrutiny
 
The case has drawn attention to allegations concerning the use of the rooftop for group prayers. However, the Registry’s findings, as recorded in the court proceedings, establish the presence of a room containing religious materials; they do not establish that a mosque had been constructed there.
 
Questions surrounding the room’s use, the custody of its keys and the security arrangements are now before the court.
Any broader allegations of illegal occupation or communal encroachment would require separate evidence and cannot be treated as established merely on the basis of the items found during the inspection.
 
Next hearing on December 14
The matter has been listed for December 14, 2026, in the urgent supplementary/admissions category.
 
The High Court is expected to consider the developments, the advocate’s response and the observations of its Security Committee as the proceedings continue.
 
Case: Sanjay Ghosh vs The High Court at Calcutta and Others