The Supreme Court of India on Monday came down sharply on the Uttarakhand government over allegations of large-scale grabbing of forest land, observing that state authorities appeared to be acting as “mute spectators” despite the violations. Terming the situation shocking, the Court initiated a suo motu case and ordered an immediate inquiry into the matter.
A vacation bench led by Justice Surya Kant, along with Justice Joymalya Bagchi, directed the Chief Secretary of Uttarakhand and the Principal Chief Conservator of Forests to constitute a fact-finding committee and place a report before the Court. The bench made it clear that the state machinery could not remain passive when forest land was allegedly being encroached upon in plain sight.
While taking cognisance of the issue, the Court restrained private parties from creating any third-party rights over the disputed land and ordered that no construction activity should be carried out until further orders. The bench further directed that all vacant forest land, except areas with existing residential houses, should be taken over by the forest department to prevent further encroachment.
“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,” the bench observed while announcing the suo motu action.
The proceedings arose from a petition filed by Anita Kandwal, which flagged the alleged illegal occupation of a substantial stretch of forest land in Uttarakhand. After issuing the directions, the Court scheduled the matter for further hearing on Monday following the reopening of the Court after the vacation.
The case is expected to put the spotlight on the role of state authorities in protecting forest land and enforcing environmental safeguards, as the top court seeks accountability through its court-monitored inquiry.
