Centre Opposes Tribal Leaders in Forest Rights Case Challenging Great Nicobar Project
What happened
The Centre informed the Calcutta High Court that Nicobarese tribal representatives are not necessary or proper parties in a forest rights case concerning Great Nicobar Island. The dispute challenges the validity of the process used to recognize forest rights in 2022, which was intended to facilitate the Centre’s ₹81,000-crore Great Nicobar Island development project. The Ministry of Tribal Affairs stated that the applicants bypassed statutory remedies under the Forest Rights Act and approached the court after a significant delay.
From hindustantimes.com
Why it matters
The legal challenge questions the foundation of the forest rights recognition process that paved the way for the large-scale development project. The validity of the rights recognition certificate, issued on August 1, is central to the progression of the ₹81,000-crore infrastructure plan for Great Nicobar Island.
Development proposals are underway for Great Nicobar Island, which is unique to India's archipelago chain, raising concerns about its unique ecosystems and viability.
From hindustantimes.com
Who's involved
- ManjuBarnabas Manju is one of the four Nicobarese tribal applicants challenging the forest rights recognition.
- Great Nicobar IslandGreat Nicobar Island is the location of the contested forest rights and the ₹81,000-crore development project.
- IndiaIndia is the nation where the development project and the legal dispute are taking place.
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The entities involved
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Great Nicobar Island
island in India
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Manju
Indian businessperson (born 1980, child of Ishwar Singh)
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