Asmina Khatun and 24 Ors. v. the State of Assam and 5 Ors.
Case brief
What is this about?
Lutumai Reserve Forest encroachment show cause notice 08.10.2025; Ranipukhuri Non-Cadastral village, Kampur Revenue Circle, Nagaon; survey of six Non-Cadastral villages incomplete; bona fide claim of right; unilateral decision without hearing violative of natural justice; Articles 14, 19 and 21 Constitution of India; speaking order; joint verification with revenue authorities and Director of Surveys; survey report to be furnished; no-eviction undertaking; forest land outside purview of settlement; reservation/de-reservation dispute; writ petition disposed.
What did the court decide?
Directions to the Divisional Forest Authority, Nagaon: accept the petitioners' representation within 10 days, pass a speaking order, and consider the grievance raised, including the jurisdiction of the forest authorities; furnish the survey report to the petitioners; the 15-day period runs from receipt of the representation, to be filed with a copy of the order; the speaking order may be communicated along with the joint survey report, if any. The Additional Advocate General further submitted that no eviction will be carried out relating to the petitioners till the indicated period is over.