Calcutta HC Examines Rooftop Being Turned Into a Mosque
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Kolkata , Oct 16: The Calcutta High Court has raised concerns over the use of a room on the rooftop of its building after an inspection found it turned into a mosque and other belongings inside. The judges expressed surprise that the keys to the space were in the custody of an advocate and directed that the matter be placed before the court’s Security Committee.
A Division Bench of Chief Justice Ravindra V. Ghuge and Justice Om Narayan Rai was hearing a public interest litigation filed by Sanjay Ghosh concerning the use of the High Court building’s rooftop.
Following an earlier order, the High Court Registry inspected the rooftop to ascertain whether a masjid had been constructed there and whether prayers were being offered at the location.
The room had two wooden gates, both of which were locked. During the inspection, the Registry learnt that the keys were in the custody of advocate Ezaz Hossain, who occupies Bar Association Room No. 12. The room was subsequently opened in his presence.
The Bench expressed surprise over the arrangement, observing that the keys to rooms, court halls, staircases and other court premises should remain in the custody of the High Court Administration.
These are visuals of the rooftop of Calcutta high court turned into a mosque, which was brought to the notice of judges this week
— Swati Goel Sharma (@swati_gs) October 16, 2026
Judges said they were “surprised” that the key of this space is exclusively with a man named Ejaz Hussain
They ordered for the matter to be… pic.twitter.com/36YJ4D0YNX
The Court permitted the petitioner to impeach Hossain as a respondent in the proceedings and directed him to explain how the keys to the locked room had come into his possession.
The Registry was also instructed to place copies of the relevant orders before the High Court’s Security Committee, which has been asked to provide guidance on security arrangements within the court premises and the custody of the room’s keys.
The incident has also prompted broader questions about the handling of alleged encroachments in public spaces. Concerns have been raised over the difficulties faced by residents who live outside gated communities and depend on authorities to address such issues.