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Journalism of Courage
Kerala High Court today stayed the government decision to takeover about 85.21 acres of tribal land occupied by Suzlon Energy Ltd at ecologically sensitive Attapady hills in Palakkad district.
The order was issued by Justice P N Ravindran while admitting a writ petition by Suzlon challenging the government decision to takeover the land,allegedly belonging to the tribals,and the two wind mills set up in the land.
According to the company,resumption of tribal land has to be done in accordance with the provisions of 1999 Act. But in this case,the takeover was on the recommendations of the government appointed high power committee.
The petitioner stated that the government has no power to direct the Revenue Divisional Officer to takeover the tribal lands on the basis of the report.
Earlier the government had worked out a package where in the company was allowed to function in the area on the condition of sharing revenue with the tribal families whose land had gone into its hands. However,the package came in for criticism from various quarters following which it was shelved.
Justice Ravindran directed the government to file its counter.
