Staff Reporter
GUWAHATI: The Gauhati High Court on Monday temporarily stayed the eviction of more than 300 families from four villages located under the Jalukbari forest range in Guwahati, issuing a stay order effective till August 19, when the case will be up for hearing next.
The stay order was issued during the second hearing on four separate petitions filed by affected villagers challenging the government’s eviction notices.
Advocate AR Bhuyan, representing the petitioners, said, “The residents hailing from Talapani, Garobasti, Boragaon, and Kotahbari had been served notices to vacate their homes, reportedly as part of a forest clearance drive in the region. The villagers have stated that many families, some holding documents to prove their residence, have been living in the area for decades, and that the eviction would leave them homeless. They also held that the rehabilitation measures from the authorities are inadequate.”
The stay order was passed by the HC, as the exact nature of the areas slated for eviction, whether falling under forest land or revenue land, is still unclear. The court stated today that the government had not provided complete information regarding the matter in its affidavit.
The interim relief by the HC gives the petitioners time to press their case further at the next hearing. The HC directed that the matter should be listed on August 19 for further hearing. On that day, the state is expected to clarify whether the eviction drive is legal and necessary.
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