67 detained Adivasis produced before High Court

Hyderabad: The Forest Department of the Kaghaznagar division in the Komaram Bheem district produced before Acting Chief Justice Raghavendra Singh Chauhan and Justice Shameem Akhtar all the 67 Adivasis who were alleged to have been illegally detained by the Forest Department.

The bench questioned the department how they could evict Adivasis without putting in place the rehabilitation mechanism in advance.

The bench directed the Forest Department officials to provide shelter in a hostel to the displaced Adivasis.

The bench also averred that the onus lay squarely on the government to ensure their rehabilitation.

The bench also affirmed that it was truly obnoxious to detain all 67 Adivasis in a timber depot. Two among 67 Adivasis informed the court that the government authorities had subjected them to undue harassment.

Advocate representing the government submitted to the court that 91 acres had been identified for the benefit of the displaced Adivasis.

The government also informed the court that houses would be constructed for all displaced Adivasis as part of the rehabilitation.

The bench, after hearing the advocate representing the government, said if the government failed to fulfil the promises made to the Adivasis, it would tantamount to contempt of the court.

The bench also informed the petitioner and Adivasis that if the government failed to keept its promise, they were free to approach judiciary for requisite redressal.