The Supreme Court is hearing a dispute over construction of PMAY-G houses on forest land in Madhya Pradesh’s Shivpuri district, involving a Sahariya tribal community. The case has brought renewed focus on the relationship between the Forest Rights Act, 2006, and the Forest Conservation law, with the Centre stressing that both must be interpreted harmoniously to balance social justice and forest protection.
Case Background
The matter concerns houses built for 63 families in Binega village. The project was challenged on the ground that it involved community forest land. The National Green Tribunal had earlier held the construction to be in violation of forest conservation law. An appeal and a contempt petition are now before the Supreme Court.
Centre’s Stand on FRA Safeguards
The Ministries of Tribal Affairs and Environment have filed a joint affidavit explaining the safeguards built into the Forest Rights Act. These include:
- A three-tier verification process through the gram sabha and administrative authorities.
- Mandatory evidence requirements for claims.
- On-site verification by forest and revenue officials.
- Non-transferability of titles granted under the Act.
- Oversight by state-level monitoring committees.
Role of Gram Sabha and Officials
The affidavit states that the gram sabha and forest rights committee initiate and examine claims. A quorum of 50% is required for gram sabha proceedings. Resolutions must be adopted through deliberation and voting. Forest and revenue officials are required to be present during physical verification under Rule 12A(1), and they also serve on sub-divisional, district and state monitoring bodies.
Forest Duties and National Data
The ministries have also brought into light that forest rights holders and gram sabhas have duties to protect wildlife, forests and biodiversity. They must prevent activities harmful to forest ecosystems. As per the latest official progress data, over 54 lakh claims have been filed under FRA across states, more than 25.38 lakh titles have been distributed, and around 18.12 lakh claims have been rejected.
Last Modified: April 27, 2026