Uttarakhand: Regarding the seizure of forest land, the SC claims that the government is acting like a silent spectator

Uttarakhand: On Monday, the Supreme Court launched a suo motu case against the Uttarakhand government for taking forest land, saying that the state administration and its officials were acting as “mute spectators.”

The chief secretary of Uttarakhand was instructed by a vacation bench consisting of Chief Justice Surya Kant and Justice Joymalya Bagchi to establish an investigation committee and provide a report.

We find it appalling that the State of Uttarakhand and its officials are watching helplessly while forest land is being taken right in front of them. Therefore, we file a suo motu lawsuit.

“The principal conservation secretary and chief secretary of Uttarakhand have been directed to establish a fact-finding committee and submit a report. No building will occur, and private parties are prohibited from establishing any third-party rights,” the bench said.

The highest court ruled that the forest department will take custody of any unoccupied land, except residential buildings.

After the court reopened after holiday, it listed the case for hearing on Monday.

Anita Kandwal’s case about the unlawful holding of a sizable portion of forest land in Uttarakhand was being heard by the Supreme Court.