Ranchi
The Jharkhand High Court on Tuesday sought responses from the State Government, the Central Government, the National Commission for Scheduled Tribes (NCST), and the Deputy Commissioners of four districts on a Public Interest Litigation (PIL) alleging illegal transfer of tribal land to Christian missionary institutions in violation of the Chotanagpur Tenancy (CNT) Act.
Hearing the PIL filed by petitioner Vishnu Sahu, a division bench comprising Chief Justice M.S. Sonak and Justice Rajesh Shankar directed all respondents to file their replies within two weeks. The court also observed that the issues raised in the petition are serious in nature and warrant detailed consideration.
The High Court has impleaded the State Government, the Central Government, the National Commission for Scheduled Tribes, and the Deputy Commissioners of Gumla, Simdega, Khunti, and West Singhbhum as respondents in the matter. The next hearing has been scheduled after two weeks.
According to the petition, thousands of acres of tribal land in Gumla, Simdega, Khunti, and West Singhbhum districts were allegedly transferred at nominal prices to GEL Mission and RC Mission Society. The petitioner has contended that these transfers have led to significant demographic changes in the affected districts.
The PIL further alleges that the land transactions were carried out in violation of the provisions of the Chotanagpur Tenancy (CNT) Act, which provides legal safeguards against the transfer of tribal land to non-tribals without due process and statutory approval.
During the hearing, the petitioner submitted that several representations had been made to the Deputy Commissioners of the concerned districts and complaints had also been lodged with the relevant government departments seeking action against the alleged illegal transfers. However, no effective action was taken, prompting the petitioner to approach the High Court through a PIL.
Taking note of the allegations and the issues involved, the High Court directed all respondents to submit their responses and fixed the matter for further hearing after two weeks.
