Supreme Court relief to 11 lakh tribals, stays eviction from forests

New Delhi: In a huge relief to over 11 lakhs tribals, the Supreme Court on Thursday stayed its February 13 order directing eviction of “forest dwelling Scheduled Tribes” (FDST) and “other traditional forest dwellers” (OTFDs) whose land ownership claims have been rejected by state governments.

A bench of Justices Arun Mishra, Navin Sinha and M.R. Shah passed this order on an application filed by the Centre and Gujarat seeking suspension of the order in the larger interest of tribals facing eviction.

Though the apex court gave relief to the Centre, it was annoyed as to why it was in “slumber” for such a long time and approached it only after the directions were passed on February 13.

 The top court said many of the points being raised now were never raised when the matter was pending.

“You have been in a slumber all this while, and now after we passed this order, you are seeking a modification,” the bench said and reminded the Centre that it was in 2016 when state governments were directed to file details of the rejection of claims and the follow-up action.

Solicitor general Tushar Mehta submitted to the court that the eviction order has affected a large number of families. He said the states should first file proper affidavits on the procedure followed in the verification of forest rights claims before any such eviction.