SC Raps Uttarakhand For Grabbing Forest Land
The court further directed the Chief Secretary and the Principal Chief Conservator of Forests to form a fact-finding committee and submit a report
NEW DELHI: Slamming the Uttarakhand government over the alleged grabbing of forest land under its watch, the Supreme Court of India on Monday observed that the State government and its authorities were acting like “mute spectators” and initiated a suo motu case in the matter.
A vacation bench comprising Chief Justice of India Surya Kant and Justice Joymalya Bagchi directed the Uttarakhand Chief Secretary to constitute an inquiry committee and submit a report.
“What is shocking to us is that the State of Uttarakhand and its authorities are sitting like mute spectators when forest land is being grabbed in front of their eyes. Therefore, we initiate a suo motu case,” the apex court observed.
The court further directed the Chief Secretary and the Principal Chief Conservator of Forests to form a fact-finding committee and submit a report. It also ordered that private parties shall not create any third-party rights and that no construction activity shall take place on the disputed land. The court said vacant land, other than existing residential houses, should be taken into possession by the forest department.
The matter has been posted for hearing after the court reopens following the vacation.
The apex court was hearing a petition filed by Anita Kandwal alleging illegal occupation of a large extent of forest land in Uttarakhand.