Overview
- Setting aside community forest rights recognized under the Forest Rights Act, a single-judge bench annulled Ghatbarra’s claim over Hasdeo Aranya forests.
- The ruling noted earlier diversion of the area for mining and recorded that no challenge was raised at that time, which the court said extinguished the later claim.
- The court held that the Forest Rights Act does not interfere with state authority over mines or minerals beneath forest land.
- Congress leader Jairam Ramesh condemned the decision as a dangerous blow to the FRA, arguing it makes community rights contingent on government policy.
- Critics warned of potential displacement of forest-dwelling communities and ecological harm in Hasdeo Aranya, with no official response or appeal details reported.