New Delhi, December 23, 2025:

The Supreme Court on Monday expressed strong displeasure at the Uttarakhand government for failing to reclaim thousands of acres of forest land in Rishikesh, which continues to be occupied by private parties despite the withdrawal of land allotments more than four decades ago. The apex court described the situation as “shocking” and initiated suo motu proceedings to address the widespread encroachment.

A bench headed by Chief Justice of India Surya Kant, along with Justice Joymalya Bagchi, noted that over 2,800 acres of forest land, which had reverted to the forest department in 1984, were still under private occupation. The court highlighted that the state had remained a silent spectator while private claims persisted, failing to protect the public and environmental interest of the region.

The Supreme Court directed the Uttarakhand chief secretary and additional chief secretary to urgently assess the current status of land possession, identify areas that have reverted to the state, and submit a detailed report to the court by the first week of January 2026. It also instructed that all vacant portions of the forest land be immediately taken into possession by the forest department to prevent further encroachment.

In addition, the court restrained all private parties currently occupying the land from creating any third-party rights or alienating it. However, the bench clarified that residential structures already built on the land would not face coercive action for the time being. Forest authorities were asked to file a compliance report within the stipulated deadline, which will allow the court to monitor the state’s progress and decide further measures.

The matter emerged from a petition filed by a woman challenging eviction proceedings against her for occupying a residential unit allegedly built on forest land. The Uttarakhand High Court had earlier upheld the eviction, citing a 1950 land allotment of roughly 2,866 acres to the Pashulok Seva Samiti for landless families. This allotment was withdrawn by the forest department of the erstwhile Uttar Pradesh on October 23, 1984, after which the land reverted to the state.

Despite clear judicial and administrative directions, private claims continued, with the petitioner acquiring possession in 2001. Lower courts, including the sub-divisional magistrate and sessions court, confirmed eviction orders with police assistance.

The Supreme Court’s intervention highlights systemic apathy and inaction by the state government over decades. The apex court made it clear that it would take strict measures if the state fails to act promptly and effectively to reclaim the forest land. Further directions are expected once the state submits its detailed report in January.

This move underscores the judiciary’s growing concern about environmental protection, forest conservation, and curbing illegal encroachments in ecologically sensitive areas like Rishikesh, which are vital for the region’s ecological balance and public interest.

Supreme Court Criticises Uttarakhand Over Encroachment of 2,800 Acres of Rishikesh Forest Land, Orders Immediate Action

The Supreme Court has pulled up the Uttarakhand government for failing to protect forest land in Rishikesh, calling it “shocking” that over 2,800 acres remain under private occupation decades after allotments were withdrawn. The court took suo motu notice of the matter on Monday, expressing concern over the state’s long-standing inaction.

A bench led by Chief Justice Surya Kant and Justice Joymalya Bagchi directed the state’s chief secretary and additional chief secretary to urgently examine the land situation, confirm who currently possesses it, and submit a detailed report to the court by the first week of January. The court also ordered that all vacant land be taken over immediately by the forest department to prevent further encroachment.

While restraining private parties from creating new rights or transferring the land, the Supreme Court clarified that no action will be taken against existing residential structures for now. Authorities have been asked to file a compliance report so the court can monitor progress and decide next steps.

The issue arose from a petition filed by a woman challenging eviction from a residential unit on forest land. The Uttarakhand High Court had upheld the eviction, noting that the land was initially allotted in 1950 to the Pashulok Seva Samiti for landless families but reverted to the forest department in 1984. Despite this, private claims continued, including the petitioner acquiring possession in 2001, giving the state ample time to act. Lower courts confirmed eviction orders with police support.

The Supreme Court’s intervention underscores the state government’s decades-long apathy and the urgent need to protect ecologically sensitive areas. The apex court warned that strict action would follow if the state fails to reclaim the land and prevent further encroachment. The matter will be closely monitored once the report is submitted in January, reflecting the judiciary’s commitment to forest conservation and enforcing the rule of law.