Orissa High Court voices concern over unlawful transfer of tribal land to private individuals, orders probe

Bhubaneswar, July 23 -- Expressing deep concern over transfer of tribal land to private individuals by revenue officials contrary to the process of law, the Orissa High Court has directed the Keonjhar Collector to conduct inquiry into 'willful' administrative lapse and take to task the erring revenue officials.

"The Collector, Keonjhar is directed to cause an inquiry into the manner in which permissions for the sale of coparcenary property were granted without scrutiny, and how mutation and other revenue entries were affected in favour of a private individual in the absence of due process and consultation with all interested parties, particularly members of the Scheduled Caste community. Appropriate disciplinary proceedings, if warranted...