Alienation of tribal lands: Notices served on govt officials

Hyderabad: The division bench headed by Acting Chief Justice MS Ramchandra Rao and Justice T Vinod Kumar issued notices to the principal secretaries of Revenue and Tribal Welfare departments, CCLA, Project Director, Integrated Tribal Development Board and District Collector, Bhadradri-Kothagudem to explain the rationale behind the alienation/registration of lands pertaining to the tribals situated in Sujathanagar mandal of the district, which is prohibited under the 5th schedule of the Constitution of India.

Devender, counsel for the petitioner, informed the bench that the Sub Registrar, Bhadradri-Kothagudem was taking up registration of the lands pertaining to tribals in the area despite there was a prohibition on such land alienation as per the powers exercised under the 5th schedule of the Constitution of India. The court adjourned to matter to November 10 for further hearing.