Gauhati High Court Raps Government for Allotting Bighas of Land to Cement Company

The Gauhati High Court has raised serious concerns over the Assam government’s controversial decision to allot 3,000 bighas (around 991 acres) of tribal land in Dima Hasao district to Mahabal Cement Private Limited for setting up a cement factory. During a hearing held on Monday, Justice Sanjay Kumar Medhi expressed his dismay, stating that the court was “perturbed, curious, and shocked” by the move. The judge questioned the rationale behind granting such an extensive tract of land in an area governed by the Sixth Schedule of the Constitution, where safeguarding tribal rights and addressing environmental sensitivities are of utmost importance. He further demanded details on whether the necessary environmental clearances were obtained prior to the allotment.

The court’s observations, which were live-streamed on its official YouTube channel, immediately triggered widespread public and political debate across Assam. Many have viewed the government’s decision as a direct threat to the ecological balance and indigenous rights in the region.

The land in question lies in the ecologically sensitive Umrangso region, an area famous for its natural hot springs, migratory bird stopovers, and diverse wildlife. According to official records, the government allotted the land to Mahabal Cement in two stages: the first allotment of 2,000 bighas took place in October 2024, followed by another 1,000 bighas in November 2024. The allotments sparked outrage among local tribal residents, leading 22 of them to file a petition before the High Court, alleging that forced evictions had taken place to clear the land for the company.

During the hearing, Justice Medhi strongly criticized the company’s claims that the allotted land was “barren.” He reminded both the government and the corporation that public interest must always take precedence over private corporate interests. The judge underscored that the constitutional protections guaranteed to Dima Hasao under the Sixth Schedule were intended to safeguard indigenous communities, their land rights, and their environment, and such protections could not be overlooked in favor of industrial ventures.

The case has also triggered swift political fallout. The Assam Congress accused the ruling BJP-led government of engaging in “blatant crony capitalism,” alleging that the land allotment was part of a larger nexus between political power and corporate groups. Some even speculated about links to the Adani Group; however, Adani representatives publicly denied any connection to Mahabal Cement.

Adding further complexity to the issue are allegations of a ₹48 crore compensation scandal linked to the land deal. Protest groups have claimed that compensation funds were mismanaged, with local residents not receiving their rightful dues. These allegations have only deepened the sense of distrust surrounding the transaction.

Responding to the matter, the High Court has directed the North Cachar Hills Autonomous Council to submit detailed policy records justifying the allotment decision. The court emphasized that transparency and adherence to the law were non-negotiable, particularly in a region with such unique ecological and constitutional significance. The next hearing in the case has been scheduled for September 1, where the court is expected to scrutinize the Council’s submissions.

Ultimately, the case highlights the fragile balance between industrial development and the protection of tribal rights and biodiversity in Assam’s hilly regions. With public protests intensifying and political tensions rising, the outcome of the court proceedings is likely to have long-term implications for governance, environmental policy, and indigenous rights in the state.