The Gauhati High Court came down heavily on the Assam government after learning that approximately 3,000 bighas of land—equivalent to more than 81 million square feet—had been allotted to Mahabal Cements in Dima Hasao district. Justice Sanjay Kumar Medhi, hearing the case Sonesh Hojai and 21 Ors v The State of Assam and 6 Ors, expressed disbelief at the scale of the land transfer.
“What kind of a decision is this? Is this some kind of joke or what? How do you allot 3,000 bighas to a company? Do you understand the magnitude of 3,000 bighas? It will be half of the district,” Justice Medhi remarked during an August 12 hearing, stressing that the move defied logic and undermined the principle of public interest.
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Defending the Allotment
During proceedings, lawyers representing the cement company argued that the allotted land was barren and essential for the continued operations of its plant. The defense maintained that the land in question had little agricultural or economic value for local residents and was instead vital for mining activities.
But the court remained unconvinced. Justice Medhi noted that the size of the allocation was “extraordinary” and suggested that the company must be “very influential” to secure such favorable treatment. The judge underscored that the matter was not simply one of land use but one that touched the rights and survival of indigenous communities in the area.
Political Outrage and Allegations of Crony Capitalism
The controversy has also triggered political uproar. The Assam Congress accused the ruling Bharatiya Janata Party government of engaging in “blatant crony capitalism.” Opposition leaders, including Bhupen Kumar Borah and Debabrata Saikia, submitted a memorandum to the Governor, alleging that the government planned to hand over nearly 9,000 bighas in total to corporate groups with close ties to the BJP.
“This is not just a land issue. It’s about survival and safeguarding the identity of Dima Hasao’s indigenous people,” the Congress memorandum declared. On social media, the party went further, claiming that Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma’s government had handed tribal land to “Modi’s mitra Adani,” accusing the administration of betraying local communities while favoring powerful corporate allies.
Environmental Concerns and the Road Ahead
The court also highlighted the environmental sensitivity of the area. The land allotted lies in Umrangso, a region known for its hot springs and as a crucial stopover for migratory birds and wildlife. The district of Dima Hasao falls under the Sixth Schedule of the Indian Constitution, which mandates that priority be given to the rights and interests of local tribes.
Recognizing the gravity of the case, the court ordered the North Cachar Hills Autonomous Council to place on record the policies and documents underlying the land allotment decision. The matter is now scheduled for its next hearing on September 1, when the state will be expected to justify its rationale.
As the legal and political storm deepens, the controversy underscores the tension between development, indigenous rights, and environmental protection in India’s Northeast.