Looks like it's mostly aesthetic. Kinda wonder if it's covering anything under the squares in that second pic, or just guiding the seatbelts. If there is an access panel under there make sure you don't permanently block it, could save you some trouble in the future. Other wise it's not structural or supportive so pull it and see what is underneath. If you can do without it there you go, if not, put it back in and work around it.