Guwahati, Aug 18: The Gauhati High Court has raised serious questions over the allotment of nearly 3,000 bighas of land in Assam’s Dima Hasao district to Mahabal Cement Pvt. Ltd. for setting up a factory, directing authorities to produce records justifying such a move.
Hearing two connected writ petitions — one filed by the company and another by 22 tribal villagers led by Sonesh Hojai, who allege eviction from their ancestral lands — Justice Sanjay Kumar Medhi observed that the allotment of such an “extraordinary” expanse of land in a Sixth Schedule area must be carefully scrutinized.
The Court stressed that the rights and interests of tribal residents must take precedence under the constitutional safeguards applicable to Sixth Schedule districts. It also highlighted the ecological sensitivity of Umrangso, the proposed project site, which is home to hot springs, migratory bird stopovers, and diverse wildlife.
While the company argued that the land was allotted through a tender-linked mining lease, the Court directed the North Cachar Hills Autonomous Council (NCHAC) to furnish records explaining the policy behind allocating such a vast tract of land.
The matter has been listed for further hearing on September 1, 2025.
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