Supreme Court Puts On Hold Its Order To Evict Over 10 Lakh Tribals

The Supreme Court of India has decided to put on hold its order that directed the eviction of over 10 lakh tribals from forests whose claims over the land have been rejected by the authorities.

The central government, which was not present on the day when the order was passed, today approached the top court along with some state governments seeking modification of the apex court’s order.

The Supreme Court bench of Justice Arun Mishra pulled up the central government and asked: “What were you doing for several years? You've woken up now?” The court has told the state governments to inform them of the procedure adopted before issuing the eviction order. The state governments will have to inform the court of the steps taken to determine the claim over the land.

The central government, represented by Solicitor General Tushar Mehta, told the court that it is an issue that affects the living conditions of a large number of people. Justice Arun Mishra told the solicitor general that what they can do is ask the 16 states whether “'the claims were rejected after due procedure, whether orders were communicated to the evictees, etc”.

The top court has given the time till July to the states to file their reply after which it will be taken up for hearing again.