Supreme Court Takes Suo Motu Cognisance Of Illegal Encroachment On Forest Land In Uttarakhand

The Supreme Court on Monday took suo motu cognisance of large-scale encroachment and unauthorised occupation of forest land in Uttarakhand, following reports of illegal construction in protected forest areas across several hill districts.

The Court criticised the State authorities for failing to act in time and ordered an immediate halt to all constructions on forest land.

It barred private parties from creating third-party rights and directed the Forest Department to take possession of all vacant forest land, except existing residential houses.

The Court also directed the Chief Secretary and senior forest officials to constitute a fact-finding committee and listed the matter for further hearing on January 5.

[Anita Kandwal v. State of Uttarakhand]