Tribal Land Rights — Landmark Judgments

Landmark Judgments

Samatha v. State of Andhra Pradesh & Others

1997

This landmark judgment by a five-judge Constitution Bench established that the Fifth Schedule creates a protective regime for tribal lands that cannot be circumvented through…

T.N. Godavarman Thirumulpad v. Union of India

1997-ongoing

This continuing mandamus case has fundamentally reshaped forest governance in India, with significant implications for tribal forest rights. The Supreme Court's various orders…

Nandini Sundar v. State of Chhattisgarh

2011

This case addressed the use of Salwa Judum (anti-Naxal operations) in tribal areas of Chhattisgarh and its impact on tribal rights and displacement. The Supreme Court held that…