Union Ministry Opposes Nicobarese Leaders in Great Nicobar Forest Dispute

The Union Tribal Affairs Ministry has formally stated that Nicobarese tribal leaders are not necessary parties to a Calcutta High Court petition challenging forest rights settlements on Great Nicobar Island. The petition, filed by former IAS officer Meena Gupta, disputes the government's claim that Forest Rights Act compliance was achieved.

Nicobarese residents seeking to join the plea argue that forest diversion certifications were based on gram sabha consent from non-tribal settlers rather than indigenous inhabitants. The island is home to the Nicobarese and the largely uncontacted Shompen tribe, alongside mainland settler families. The court is currently reviewing the impleadment request regarding these contested land diversion approvals.

Editor's note: The brief accurately summarizes the core conflict regarding the impleadment of Nicobarese leaders and the nature of the legal dispute.