The Supreme Court has intervened to stay a Gujarat High Court order instructing the state government to reclaim approximately 108 hectares of grazing land allocated to the Adani Group near Mundra port since 2005. The contentious decision, which aimed to return the land to local villagers for cattle grazing purposes, has been temporarily halted by the apex court pending further proceedings.
The Gujarat government, responding to a PIL filed by residents of Navinal village in Kutch district, had pledged to retrieve the ‘gauchar’ land from Adani Ports and Special Economic Zone (APSEZ) Ltd, citing concerns over community access and environmental sustainability. This move followed assertions that the village had been left with a mere 45 acres of grazing land after the allocation of 231 acres to APSEZ, exacerbating local resource scarcity.
Senior counsel representing Adani argued before the Supreme Court that their client was not adequately heard during the High Court proceedings, prompting the bench to issue a stay order on the grounds of procedural fairness and justice. The legal dispute originated earlier this year when the Gujarat High Court directed the state’s Revenue Department to address the issue of land allocation, following persistent objections from villagers regarding the legality and impact of the decision on their livelihoods and community welfare.
APSEZ, contesting the High Court’s directive, asserted that the allocation of grazing land was done in accordance with applicable regulations and was critical for ongoing industrial operations near Mundra port. The company’s stance underscores broader concerns over balancing industrial development with environmental stewardship and community rights. The Supreme Court’s intervention underscores the complexity and sensitivity of land-use disputes in India, particularly concerning corporate entities and local communities. The outcome of this legal battle is poised to influence future policies and decisions regarding land allocation, environmental conservation, and socio-economic development in Gujarat and beyond.
