New Delhi: The Supreme Court, on December 22, 2025, in a significant order, intervened in a matter concerning the systematic grabbing of thousands of acres of government forest land in Uttarakhand. The Court, comprising the Chief Justice and Justice Joymalya Bagchi (Vacation Bench), was hearing a Special Leave Petition filed by Anita Kandwal against the State of Uttarakhand and another.
The Court’s preliminary assessment revealed serious concerns regarding the alienation of notified government forest land measuring 2,866 acres. The facts of the case, according to the Court, “prima facie show how private individuals have systematically grabbed thousands of acres of forest land.” Part of this land was allegedly leased to Pashulok Sewa Samiti, a society based in Rishikesh, which reportedly further allotted parcels to its members. A dispute subsequently arose, which “rather collusive[ly] apparently led to the passing of a compromise decree.”
Further complicating the issue, the society later went into liquidation and surrendered 594 acres of land to the Forest Department on October 23, 1984. Although this re-vesting of forest land in the government “has attained finality,” the Court noted that some private individuals, including the petitioner, are stated to have taken possession of the land in 2001. Similarly, the private respondent claims ownership based on the “collusive decree” between the society and its alleged members.
Expressing shock at the State’s inaction, the Bench observed, “What seems shocking to us is that the State of Uttarakhand and its authorities are sitting as silent spectators while forest land is being systematically grabbed in front of their eyes.”
Consequently, the Court decided to enlarge the scope of the proceedings suo motu. It directed the Chief Secretary of Uttarakhand and the Principal Chief Conservator of Forests, Uttarakhand, to constitute an Enquiry Committee to examine all the facts and submit a report to the Court.
Crucially, the Court issued interim directions to protect the land. All private individuals have been “restrained from alienating the land, encumbering it, or creating any third-party rights.” It was also clarified that “no construction activity shall be allowed to take place.” Furthermore, the Forest Department and the concerned Collector were directed to take possession of “the vacant land (other than the residential houses).” A compliance report must be submitted before the next date of hearing, scheduled for January 5, 2026.
Case Details:
Case Name: Anita Kandwal vs State of Uttarakhand & Anr.
Case Number: Petition(s) for Special Leave to Appeal (Crl.) No(s). 21058/2025
Court: Supreme Court of India
Bench: Hon’ble the Chief Justice and Hon’ble Mr. Justice Joymalya Bagchi (Vacation Bench)
Date of Order: 22.12.2025
Advocates for Petitioner(s): Mr. Aditya Singh, Advocate; Mr. Aakash Sirohi, AOR; Mr. Indra Lal, Advocate
