The Supreme Court of India has taken a stern stance against the alleged illegal occupation of vast stretches of forest land in Uttarakhand. Expressing deep concern, the apex court criticized the state government for being a "silent spectator" while private individuals systematically grabbed protected forest areas over the years.
Court's Strong Rebuke and Suo Motu Expansion
While hearing an appeal related to a disputed parcel of forest land, a bench comprising Chief Justice of India Surya Kant and Justice Joymalya Bagchi decided to significantly widen the scope of the case. The bench was examining allegations concerning 2,866 acres of government-notified forest land that was reportedly leased out in 1950 to a Rishikesh-based society named Pashu Lok Seva Samiti.
The judges noted that the facts presented showed a prima facie case of systematic land grabbing. "What seems to be shocking to us is that the State of Uttarakhand and its authorities are sitting as silent spectators when the forest land is being systematically grabbed in front of their eyes," the bench observed. Consequently, the court decided to enlarge the proceedings suo motu (on its own motion) and issued formal notices.
Immediate Orders to Halt Activity and Initiate Probe
The Supreme Court issued a series of immediate directives to prevent further damage and investigate the matter thoroughly:
- Status Quo Ordered: All parties involved must maintain the current state of affairs.
- Ban on Sale and Construction: The disputed land cannot be sold, alienated, or used for any new construction.
- No Third-Party Rights: Creation of any new rights over the land by private individuals is prohibited.
- High-Level Probe: The Uttarakhand Chief Secretary and the Principal Chief Conservator of Forests have been directed to form an enquiry committee to examine the facts and submit a report directly to the court.
- Possession of Vacant Land: The forest department and the concerned collector have been ordered to take possession of all vacant land, except areas with existing residential houses.
Background of the 2,866-Acre Land Dispute
The core of the dispute dates back to 1950 when the large tract of 2,866 acres was leased to the Pashu Lok Seva Samiti. The stated purpose of the lease was for the society to allot portions of this land to landless poor families in the area. In 1984, the society surrendered 594 acres back to the forest department.
However, the legal conflict intensified when a petitioner claimed to have taken possession of a part of this land in 2001. This claim brought the entire history of the lease and subsequent allotments under judicial scrutiny, leading to the Supreme Court's strong intervention and its decision to investigate the fate of the entire leased area.
The court's proactive move underscores the judiciary's growing impatience with the degradation of forest cover and the illegal encroachment of protected lands, especially in ecologically sensitive states like Uttarakhand.
