The Gauhati High Court, in a significant order, raised concerns over the allotment of nearly 3,000 bighas of land in Assam’s Dima Hasao district for the construction of a cement factory. The matter came up in two connected writ petitions—WP(C)/467/2025 (Sonesh Hojai and 21 Others vs. State of Assam and Others) and WP(C)/337/2025 (Mahabal Cement Pvt. Ltd. vs. State of Assam and Others).
In the petition filed by local residents, it was alleged that they were being evicted from their lawfully possessed lands to facilitate the cement project. On the other hand, Mahabal Cement Pvt. Ltd. claimed that the land was allotted to it through a tender process under a mining lease.
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Justice Sanjay Kumar Medhi noted that the scale of the allotment appeared “extraordinary” and directed the North Cachar Hills Autonomous Council (NCHAC) to produce records of the policy that permitted granting such a vast tract of land to a private company.
Highlighting the unique character of the region, the Court observed:
“The district is a 6th Scheduled District under the Constitution of India where priority has to be given to the rights and interest of the tribal people residing there.”
The Court further remarked on the ecological sensitivity of Umrangso in Dima Hasao, calling it an environment hotspot containing hot springs, a stopover for migratory birds, and wildlife. The matter has been listed for further hearing on September 1, 2025.
Case Title: Sonesh Hojai and 21 Others vs. The State of Assam and 6 Others
Case Number: WP(C)/467/2025
