Peasant and Tribal Movements — Landmark Judgments

Landmark Judgments

Samatha v. State of Andhra Pradesh

1997

This landmark Supreme Court judgment addressed the issue of land alienation in tribal areas. It held that the transfer of land by tribals to non-tribals in Scheduled Areas is null…

Niyamgiri Mining Case (Orissa Mining Corporation v. Ministry of Environment & Forest)

2013

The Supreme Court upheld the right of the Dongria Kondh tribals to decide on mining projects in their sacred Niyamgiri hills, emphasizing the Forest Rights Act (FRA), 2006, and…

Kesavananda Bharati v. State of Kerala

1973

While not directly about peasant/tribal movements, this case established the 'Basic Structure Doctrine' of the Constitution, which has indirect but profound relevance. Many land…