The Gauhati High Court has raised serious concerns over the proposed allotment of nearly 3,000 bighas of land to a private cement company, Mahabal Cements, for mining purposes in the Dima Hasao district of Assam.

During proceedings, Justice Sanjay Kumar Medhi expressed astonishment at the scale of the land allocation. He remarked orally, “3,000 bighas! The entire district? What is happening here? 3,000 bighas for a private company? We are aware that much of this land is barren, yet 3,000 bighas? Is this some kind of joke? The issue is not the company’s need—it is the public interest that we must consider.”

The counsel representing Mahabal Cements argued that the land in question consisted primarily of barren plots and that the allotment was essential for the operational needs of the cement factory. Despite these claims, the Court appeared unconvinced and demanded a detailed review of the policy and records justifying the allocation of such an extensive tract of land to a private entity.

The bench highlighted that the district of Dima Hasao is a 6th Scheduled District under the Constitution of India, a status that ensures special protections for tribal populations. The Court stressed that any decision involving land in such districts must prioritize the rights, welfare, and interests of the local tribal communities.

Additionally, the Court noted the environmental sensitivity of the area in question. Umrangso, the locality where the land is situated, is recognized as an environmental hotspot, hosting hot springs, migratory bird stopovers, and diverse wildlife habitats. The Court observed that large-scale industrial activity could have severe repercussions for the local ecology.

In its order, the Court observed, “A cursory glance at the facts reveals that the proposed land allotment of 3,000 bighas appears to be extraordinary and unprecedented. Such decisions must be examined through the lens of public interest, environmental impact, and tribal rights, not merely the operational needs of a private company.”

The case has been registered as Mahabal Cement Pvt Ltd v State of Assam, WP(C)/337/2025, and the Court is expected to scrutinize the policy framework, procedural compliance, and environmental implications before taking a final call.

This development highlights the judiciary’s growing vigilance in balancing industrial development with tribal rights and environmental conservation, especially in ecologically sensitive and constitutionally protected regions.