. NEW DELHI: SC on Monday expressed concern over forest land being grabbed by private individuals in Uttarakhand and said it was shocking that the state govt remained a silent spectator over the years.While hearing an appeal on a litigation over a disputed parcel of forest land, a bench of CJI Surya Kant and Justice Joymalya Bagchi expanded the case and decided to examine the alleged grabbing of 2,866 acres of land – notified as govt forest land – and allegedly leased out in 1950 to Rishikesh-based society Pashu Lok Seva Samiti, which subsequently allotted land parcels to its members.”The facts prima facie show as to how thousands of acres of forest land has been systematically grabbed by private individuals…What seems to be shocking to us is that the State of Uttarakhand and its authorities are sitting as silent spectators when the forest land is being systematically grabbed in front of their eyes. Consequently, we propose to enlarge the scope of these proceedings suo motu. Let notice be issued,” it said.The bench ordered a probe into the case and sought a report from govt authorities. It directed all parties concerned to maintain status quo. It said land in dispute would not be sold or alienated, and no further construction would be carried out. It directed that no third party right will be created over the disputed land.”The chief secretary and principal chief conservator of forests are directed to constitute an enquiry committee to examine facts and submit a report to this court. Private individuals are restrained from alienating the land or creating third party rights. No construction shall be allowed. The vacant land, other than residential houses, shall be taken into possession by forest department and collector concerned,” bench said.In this case, a large chunk of land – 2,866 acres – was leased out to Pashulok Seva Samiti in 1950 for allotting it to landless poor families of the area. The society surrendered 594 acres of land to forest dept in 1984. But the dispute arose after the petitioner claimed to have taken possession of the land in 2001.End of ArticleFollow Us On Social MediaVideosNew Video Reveals Final Moments of Hindu Man Dipu Before Lynching in BangladeshIndians Trapped By H-1B Renewal Chaos As US VP JD Vance Defends Visa Curbs As Christian PoliticsEx-TMC MLA Humayun Kabir Launches New Party, Targets Mamata Banerjee Ahead of PollsMuhammad Yunus Interim Rule Sparks Alarm, Indian Diplomats Back Hasina On Anti India Narrative ShiftYogi Adityanath Says Vande Mataram Became Victim of Congress Appeasement PoliticsNew Zealand India FTA Sparks Coalition Rift As PM Christopher Luxon Backs Deal, NZ First Rejects ItGujarat Student Says He Was Forced To Fight For Russia As Indians Remain Trapped Ukraine War CrisisPTI Leaders Hold Massive Protest in Peshawar Against Imran Khan’s 17-Year Jail SentenceBangladesh Turmoil: Another Youth Leader Shot In Head Days After Osman Hadi’s KillingAravalli Hills Row: Why Definition Battle Could Decide Mining Water Security And AQI In North India123PhotostoriesDoes Niagara Falls freeze over in winter? Here’s the truth5 reasons why okra water has become a go-to drink for people who want to manage their sugar levelsFrozen but fearless: 5 snowy animals that rule the coldest places on earthHbA1c over 6%? Nephrologist shares tests that matter beyond this level of blood sugarWhy should you add this leaf powder to your homemade winter soups? Here’s how you can make this super healthy soup10 most loved countries in the world in 2025Discover the secret of financial success according to your birth dateTop 10 richest countries in the world in 20257 simple fruit plants ideal for a lush balcony garden6 quirky book titles that instantly spark curiosity at first glance123Hot PicksUAE WeatherEpstein files releasedGold price predictionGold rate todaySilver rate todayPublic Holidays DecemberBank Holidays DecemberTop TrendingJosh Allen Luxury Car CollectionRandi MahomesAuston MatthewsPatrick MahomesLebron JamesLos Angeles DodgersPaul Heyman and Marla Heyman Net WorthWho is chris oladokunA JA WilsonCharles Barkley
NEW DELHI: SC on Monday expressed concern over forest land being grabbed by private individuals in Uttarakhand and said it was shocking that the state govt remained a silent spectator over the years.While hearing an appeal on a litigation over a disputed parcel of forest land, a bench of CJI Surya Kant and Justice Joymalya Bagchi expanded the case and decided to examine the alleged grabbing of 2,866 acres of land – notified as govt forest land – and allegedly leased out in 1950 to Rishikesh-based society Pashu Lok Seva Samiti, which subsequently allotted land parcels to its members.“The facts prima facie show as to how thousands of acres of forest land has been systematically grabbed by private individuals…What seems to be shocking to us is that the State of Uttarakhand and its authorities are sitting as silent spectators when the forest land is being systematically grabbed in front of their eyes. Consequently, we propose to enlarge the scope of these proceedings suo motu. Let notice be issued,” it said.The bench ordered a probe into the case and sought a report from govt authorities. It directed all parties concerned to maintain status quo. It said land in dispute would not be sold or alienated, and no further construction would be carried out. It directed that no third party right will be created over the disputed land.“The chief secretary and principal chief conservator of forests are directed to constitute an enquiry committee to examine facts and submit a report to this court. Private individuals are restrained from alienating the land or creating third party rights. No construction shall be allowed. The vacant land, other than residential houses, shall be taken into possession by forest department and collector concerned,” bench said.In this case, a large chunk of land – 2,866 acres – was leased out to Pashulok Seva Samiti in 1950 for allotting it to landless poor families of the area. The society surrendered 594 acres of land to forest dept in 1984. But the dispute arose after the petitioner claimed to have taken possession of the land in 2001.
