High Court Takes Strict Stance on Transfer of CNT-Protected Land to Churches and Christian Societies
Notices issued to State Government and DCs of four districts; response sought within two weeks
Ranchi: The Jharkhand High Court has taken a serious view of allegations regarding the large-scale transfer of tribal land—protected under the Chotanagpur Tenancy (CNT) Act—to Christian societies and churches across various districts of the state. Hearing a Public Interest Litigation (PIL) filed on this matter on Tuesday, the Court issued notices to the State Government, the Jharkhand State Commission for Scheduled Castes and Scheduled Tribes, and the Deputy Commissioners (DCs) of Khunti, Gumla, Simdega, and West Singhbhum, directing them to file detailed responses.
A division bench comprising Chief Justice Mahesh Sharad Chandra Sonak and Justice Rajesh Shankar heard the matter and directed all concerned parties, who have been made respondents, to present their respective stands.
Counsel for the petitioner, Vishnu Sahu, informed the Court that valuable tribal land protected under the CNT Act is being illegally transferred to churches and Christian societies as part of a well-planned conspiracy—an act contrary to the law and established rules. The petition claims that such transfers are altering the demographic composition of tribal-dominated areas and adversely affecting the rights of the indigenous population.
The petitioner urged the Court to immediately halt all such illegal land transfers and to initiate necessary legal action following an investigation into the lands that have already been transferred.
Given the gravity of the matter, the High Court has directed that notices be served to all concerned officials. The Court will hear this sensitive case again in two weeks.
