Legal Provisions Involved: Articles 48A, 51A(g), 32, 226 of Constitution of India.

Judgment by: Supreme Court of India

Judge/Bench: Justice P.S. Narasimha and Justice Alok Aradhe

Facts

Several residents of villages in Assam’s Golaghat district received eviction notices in July 2025, stating that they were living on forest land. The residents said their families had been living there for decades and that the government itself had recognised their homes by giving electricity connections, ration cards, Aadhaar cards, and housing benefits. The Gauhati High Court upheld the eviction drive, after which the residents approached the Supreme Court.

Key Legal Provisions

Articles 48A, 51A(g), 32, 226 of Constitution of India

Issues Raised

Can people be evicted without checking individual claims of long-term residence and legal protection?

Arguments

The residents argued that the evictions were rushed and ignored due process. The State claimed the drive was necessary to remove illegal encroachments on forest land.

Judgment

The Supreme Court said the High Court’s order needs modification. It suggested forming a committee to review each eviction case fairly. The appeals were disposed of, and a detailed order is awaited.

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