Overview

• Justice Sanjay Kumar Medhi labeled the 3,000-bigha allotment to Mahabal Cements "extraordinary" and questioned whether authorities grasped its magnitude.
• The bench underscored that Dima Hasao’s Sixth Schedule status requires special procedures to protect tribal land interests.
• Judges highlighted Umrangso’s ecological sensitivity, citing hot springs, migratory-bird stopovers and critical wildlife habitats.
• Counsel for Mahabal Cements said the company secured the land through a competitive tender and mining lease rather than by displacing villagers.
• The court ordered the North Cachar Hills Autonomous Council to submit its allotment records and listed the case for September 1.