Overview

• The probe covers 1,628 cases of suspected land transfers to non-tribals, including 732 in the Konkan region.
• Divisional commissioners have been tasked with investigating each case and must submit a consolidated report within three months.
• Under the 1974 Maharashtra Tribal Land Protection Act, tribal agricultural land can only be transferred to tribals, and non-agricultural transfers must meet 34 conditions and Supreme Court guidelines.
• Between 2021 and 2023, authorities reported 617 illegal transfers, restored 404 parcels to tribal owners and left 213 cases pending at the district level.
• Lawmakers from tribal constituencies and the Tribal Development Ministry have been urged to submit any further complaints, with the registration window for pre-2004 acquisitions open until 2034.