SC refuses to stay order removing encroachment in Aravali forest area

The Supreme Court on Thursday refused to stay own order directing the demolition of houses of 10 thousand families who built houses unauthorisedly in forest land in the Khori village of Faridabad. However, The Top Court said those entitled to rehabilitation as per the Haryana government’s 2003 scheme would be entitled to benefit.

The Top Court has ordered the eviction of encroaches from forest land long back and refused to take into account a new plea against demolition. The Supreme Court also asked Faridabad Municipal Corporation to implement the court’s June 7 order directing the demolition of unauthorised houses on forest land within six weeks.

This Court had already recorded the assurance given by the Corporation that action against unauthorized structures standing on the forest land will be taken by following due process and in accordance with the law, including to examine the claim of the occupants for re-habilitation as per the existing Rehabilitation Scheme. That assurance has been reiterated and is so recorded in this order as well, the Court Said. We make it clear that the pendency of this matter will not come in the way of the Authorities to proceed against the unauthorized structures standing on the forest land in conformity with the statement recorded hitherto, the court added.

The apex court on June 7 had directed the State and the Faridabad Municipal Corporation to remove “all encroachments” in the Aravali forest area near the village, saying “land grabbers cannot take refuge of rule of law” and talk of “fairness”.

It had also sought a compliance report from the State government officials after removing all encroachments from the forest land near Lakarpur Khori village in Faridabad district within six weeks.

The top court was hearing a plea seeking a stay on the demolition of residential structures in the village.