On February 11, the Supreme Court of India permitted the Assam government to proceed with evictions in reserved forest areas, subject to scrutiny by a specially constituted committee. The Bench comprising Justices P. S. Narasimha and Alok Aradhe emphasised that forests are vital national resources requiring strict protection.
The Court allowed the State to form a panel of forest and revenue officials to examine cases of alleged unauthorised occupation in the Doyang Reserved Forest and adjoining villages in Golaghat district. It clarified that inclusion of forest land within panchayat limits cannot justify non-eviction.
The ruling strengthens the State’s authority in anti-encroachment measures while mandating procedural oversight.
APSC Relevance:
Relevant for Environment (forest conservation), Polity (judicial oversight, separation of powers), and Assam-specific governance and land administration issues.
Course Purchase Query 