In the figure, there are two rectangles each of dimension 8 cm × 12 cm. Length of CE = 7 cm. What is the area (in cm2 ) of the shaded region?

Let's name the vertices for better understanding. 

Since we are given that EC is 7 cm and CD is 8 cm, the length DE would be 1 cm. 
Joining E and A, we would get two right angles triangles, ADE and AEG

DE is 1 cm, and AD is 12 cm, this would give the length of side AE to be $$\sqrt{\ 145}$$ cm
Further, AE is $$\sqrt{\ 145}$$ cm and AG is 8 cm, giving the length of GE to be 9 cm using the Pythagorean theorem.

In order to find the area of the shaded region, we need to find the area of the rectangle ABCD and subtract the area of triangles ADE and AGE

Area of ABCD - Aread of ADE - Area of AGE
= $$\left(8\times\ 12\right)-\left(\frac{1}{2}\times\ 12\times\ 1\right)-\left(\frac{1}{2}\times\ 8\times\ 9\right)$$ 
= $$96-6-36$$
=54

Therefore, Option C is the correct answer.