Supreme Court Pauses Assam Forest Evictions, Grants Relief to Tribal Villages

In a significant relief to tribal communities living in reserved forest areas of Assam, the Supreme Court of India has ordered a status quo on eviction proceedings against several petitioner villages until verification of land records is completed. The decision comes amid concerns raised over alleged mass eviction drives affecting long-settled families in multiple districts.

A bench comprising Justices P. S. Narasimha and Alok Aradhe directed authorities to pause eviction measures while officials examine Jamabandi registers and other documentary evidence to determine authorised occupants. The court emphasised that occupation of a gaon panchayat within a forest area can be permissible if supported by valid entries in the Jamabandi register maintained by forest authorities or under provisions of the Forest Rights Act.

During the hearing, the Assam government informed the court that a joint committee of Revenue and Forest Department officials would be formed to assess claims made by residents. The committee will verify land records, evaluate documentary proof submitted by occupants, and determine whether individuals are legally entitled to continue residing in the forest areas.

The court observed that persons recognised as beneficiaries under the Scheduled Tribes and Other Traditional Forest Dwellers (Recognition of Forest Rights) Act, 2006, are legally authorised to occupy forest land and cannot be evicted without due process. Petitioners had argued that large-scale eviction drives violated constitutional safeguards, including the right to equality and protection of life and livelihood.

According to the procedure outlined before the court, authorities must issue notices to individuals identified as unauthorised occupants, provide them an opportunity to present documentary proof, and pass a reasoned order before taking any action. The court also stressed that a minimum 15-day notice period should be granted prior to eviction to ensure fairness and transparency in the process.

The petitions relate to villages located in several reserved forest areas, including Doyang, South Nambar, Jamuna Madunga, Barpani, Lutumai, and Golaghat. Petitioners claimed that their families had lived on these lands for decades, with some settlements dating back more than 70 years. They sought structured safeguards rather than blanket eviction measures, arguing that long-standing habitation and community ties should be considered during decision-making.

While acknowledging the state’s authority to remove illegal encroachments, the court noted that the existing mechanism includes procedural safeguards designed to ensure fairness, reasonableness, and compliance with the law. It recorded assurances from government representatives that the process would be implemented objectively.

Legal experts say the order highlights the judiciary’s attempt to balance environmental conservation with the rights of indigenous communities. The verification exercise and committee review are expected to play a crucial role in determining the future of affected villages, as authorities work to reconcile forest protection policies with the legal recognition of traditional land rights.