The Jharkhand High Court has taken a stern view of serious allegations involving the illegal transfer of thousands of acres of land through plain paper agreements and the religious conversion of original landowners by luring them with jobs in four major tribal-dominated districts of the state. While hearing a public interest litigation, the court issued notices to the central government, the Jharkhand state government, and the deputy commissioners of the four respective districts. The court directed all defendants to submit a detailed response within a strict timeframe of just one week. This hearing took place on a petition filed by petitioner Vishnu Sahu.
High Court Adopts Strict Stance on Vishnu Sahu Petition
During a crucial hearing in the Jharkhand High Court on a PIL filed by Vishnu Sahu, the issue of large-scale land manipulation in four key tribal-dominated districts of the state namely West Singhbhum, Gumla, Simdega, and Khunti was prominently raised. Acknowledging the gravity of the matter, the High Court promptly issued notices to the central and state governments along with the deputy commissioners of these four districts. Furthermore, all officials were instructed to submit their replies within a week.
Land Grab of Thousands of Acres Through Plain Paper Agreements
The petitioner informed the court that laws are being openly flouted in these tribal districts through the medium of plain paper agreements known locally as sada patta. Under the guise of these agreements, thousands of acres of valuable land belonging to tribals have been transferred in the names of other individuals or institutions. The petition alleges that this entire scheme was executed by bypassing the stringent provisions of the Chota Nagpur Tenancy Act, thereby putting the very existence of the tribal population at risk.
The Scheme Behind School, Hospital, and Church Constructions
The petition presented before the court also makes the serious allegation that large-scale illegal construction of schools, hospitals, and churches has been carried out on these usurped tribal lands. It is claimed in the petition that such commercial and religious utilization of land in tribal areas under the guise of development and service is operating rampantly in an illegal manner.
Religious Conversion of Original Landowners Under the Guise of Employment
The most shocking aspect of the petition is linked to the religious conversion of members of the tribal community. It explicitly mentions that the original ryots or actual landowners are first employed in institutions built on their own land. Subsequently, taking advantage of their economic vulnerability or by exerting pressure regarding employment, their religious conversion is facilitated. The petitioner has urged the court to put a complete halt to this entire syndicate and order a high-level investigation.
