Overview

• A division bench directed Assam to prevent illegal entry into reserve forests by fencing porous borders with barbed wire, checking entry points, and running functional check posts.
• The court said these measures work only with honest performance by personnel, urged penal action against officials if illegal entry occurs, and warned of devastating ecological effects if encroachers remain in protected forests.
• For future drives, the bench advised serving 15 days' notice and allowing another 15 days to vacate, while clarifying that such guidance does not protect encroachers from prosecution.
• The ruling disposed of a writ by Uriamghat settlers; the chief minister said it concerns 75 people, will allow uniform 15-day notices, and requires acknowledgment of any revenue land ownership claims.
• The Advocate General told the court that about 29 lakh bighas of reserve forest land are occupied by encroachers and that more than 1 lakh bighas have already been cleared under the state's drive.