Ataur Rahman and 49 Ors. v. the State of Assam and 8 Ors.
Case brief
What is this about?
Batch of 11 writ petitions, Gauhati High Court, decided 08.06.2026 by Devashis Baruah, J.: Speaking Orders dated 07.03.2026 of DFO, Nagaon evicting occupants of Lutumai, South Nambor & Doyang, Jamuna Moudanga and Borpani Reserved Forests upheld; compliance with Supreme Court safeguards in Abdul Khalek (2026 SCC OnLine SC 184) confirmed; Aadhaar/voter/Panchayat-certificate claims, Taungya and derivative-title claims, and patta/revenue-receipt claims all rejected; FRA 2006 inapplicable (petitioners not FDST/OTFD, no Jamabandi entry); Assam Forest Regulation 1891 Ss.21, 22, 26; Forest (Conservation) Act 1980 S.2; 30-day eviction with police aid, APDCL electricity disconnection, reforestation and no-diversion directions; priority revenue-land allotment under Assam Land Policy 2019 for pre-1980 permitted entrants.
What did the court decide?
No relief against the impugned Speaking Orders, which were upheld; the Petitioners were granted 30 days to remove belongings and make alternative arrangements, failing which State agencies were directed to evict them; liberty to apply for allotment of revenue lands under the Assam Land Policy, 2019 (priority where pre-1980 settlement was permitted by the Competent Authority); interim orders vacated and all writ petitions disposed of.