SYED WASIQUE BAHADUR Vs. STATE OF WEST BENGAL

JUDGEMENT

(1.) This application in the nature of Public Interest Litigation has been filed by a former student of Nawab Bahadur Institution, Murshidabad praying for the following reliefs:-

(2.) The petitioner contends that the said school is of immense historical legacy and heritage. It was built by Munni Begum, the wife of Mirzafar and was known as Mubaraq Mahal. It was in that building that Mubaraq-ud-daula, the fourth son of the said Mirzafar and Munni Begam was born and brought up. The said Mubaraq-Ud-Daula was later on coroneted as the Nawab Nazim of Bengal, Bihar and Orissa. In course of passing of time, however, the said building was converted into a school. The responsibility of maintaining the said school after abolition of Nawab Nazim was taken by Government of West Bengal. Admittedly, the building is in a dilapidated condition and required a thorough repair. The petitioner contends that although he is not against renovation of the building but keeping in view its heritage value the renovation and repair works should be carried on in terms of the letter dated 23.10.98 as contained in annexure 'F' to the writ application which is as follows :-

(3.) However, despite the same and tender had been invited by the State of West Bengal in a newspaper, viz. Ganashakti dated 23rd November, 1998 for renovating and/or repairing the said building.