Overview
- The vacation bench led by Chief Justice Surya Kant castigated state authorities as “mute spectators” and initiated suo motu proceedings.
- All private parties are restrained from selling, transferring, or creating third‑party rights over the disputed forest land until further orders.
- The Forest Department has been directed to take possession of all vacant parcels, excluding existing residential houses, and to maintain status quo on construction.
- The chief secretary and the principal chief conservator of forests must constitute an enquiry committee and file a detailed report by the next hearing, listed for January 5.
- The case centers on about 2,866 acres tied to a 1950 lease to Pashu Lok Seva Samiti, with part surrendered in 1984 and later private possession claims, set against wider reports of large‑scale encroachment in the state.