Assam govt mulls tribunals to safeguard tribal lands

The Assam government on Tuesday proposed the creation of district-level tribunals under the Assam Accord to enforce land rights in tribal belts and blocks and curb encroachment.
Tabling The Assam District Land Tribunal Bill, 2025, Revenue and Disaster Management Minister Keshab Mahanta said the legislation seeks to establish independent tribunals across the state for adjudicating cases related to alienation of land in protected and tribal areas. He said the Bill also addresses eviction of unauthorised occupants and other connected matters that continue to affect protected classes.
Mahanta said the aim of the proposed law is to strengthen land governance by introducing a specialised, quasi-judicial mechanism capable of ensuring faster and more transparent decisions. “This Bill implements Clause 6 of the Assam Accord, 1985, and reaffirms the government’s commitment to inclusive land governance and safeguarding the rights of people belonging to protected classes,” he said.
He added that the new mechanism is essential, as the existing system often suffers from delays because revenue authorities—already tasked with multiple administrative duties—currently serve as appellate authorities. Dedicated tribunals, he said, will reduce pendency and ensure decisions are taken without administrative conflict of interest.
The Bill seeks to repeal Section 169 of the Assam Land & Revenue Regulation, 1886, replacing the traditional appeal structure with the newly constituted tribunals. These bodies will be vested with powers equivalent to a civil court, enabling them to summon witnesses, receive evidence and ensure accountability in land-related adjudication. An appeal provision to the Gauhati High Court has also been included to maintain judicial oversight while preserving tribunal autonomy.
The government plans to establish the tribunals in 11 districts within tribal belt and block areas. Mahanta clarified that no new posts will be created and no new buildings constructed, as existing revenue offices and infrastructure will be utilised. Each tribunal will be headed by a retired district judge or additional district judge to ensure judicial competence.
Clause 6 of the Assam Accord mandates constitutional, legislative and administrative safeguards to protect, preserve and promote the culture, social and linguistic identity and heritage of the Assamese people.