'Consistent negligence': SC raps Uttarakhand govt, Pg10

Key Highlights:

• The Supreme Court reprimanded the Uttarakhand government for negligence in addressing encroachment on thousands of hectares of forest land since the state's formation in 2000.
• The court directed the state to file a comprehensive affidavit within two weeks, detailing site plans, construction details, and the nature of constructions on government/forest land.
• The court expressed shock at the state's silence on alleged encroachments, enlarging the scope of proceedings suo motu.
• The court questioned the state's delay in taking action against encroachers, noting that it took 23 years to address the issue after the state's formation.

Detailed Insights:

• The Supreme Court is holding every executive accountable for the consistent negligence in protecting government and forest land.
• The state counsel mentioned that action was taken in 1993 and 2023, but the High Court stayed eviction notices.
• The court has ordered an inquiry committee to submit an interim report, revealing a shocking failure of the state machinery in protecting government/forest land for decades.
• The court has restrained private individuals from alienating the allegedly encroached land, encumbering it, or creating any third-party rights.
• The state government has been asked to explain its conduct since 2000, regarding the encroachments.

Key Concepts Involved:

• Encroachment: Illegal intrusion onto public or private land.
• Suo Motu: An action taken by a court on its own motion, without a request from the parties involved.
• Affidavit: A written statement confirmed by oath or affirmation, used as evidence in court.