MP HC issues notices to Centre, govt on Forest Dwellers Act

Jabalpur, June 29 (UNI) The Madhya Pradesh High Court today issued a notice to the Centre and the state government on a petition challenging the Forest Dwellers (Recognition of Forest Rights) Act, 2006, and sought reply within four weeks.

Hearing a petition by Nagrik Upbhokta Manch Chairman P G Najpandey, a division bench comprising Justice Shravan Shankar Jha and Justice Ajit Singh issued notices to the Union Tribal Welfare Ministry, Union Forest and Environment Ministry, State Forest Secretary, State Legislative Affairs secretary and others.

The petitioner told the court that the Forest Dwellers (Recognition of Forest Rights) Act, 2006, contained provisions for providing 10 acres land to tribals living in forests and allowing cutting of 75 trees. These provisions were inappropriate and against the Constitution.

The petition stated that forests would be endangered by distribution of permanent land deeds to tribals in forests and adjoining areas and felling of trees would cause damage to forests.

The petitioner prayed for declaring Sections 1-6 of the Act as unconstitution and annulling the Act.

UNI