Shahin Akhtar
On 03rd September, 2025, the Assam Government has defended its decision to give 3,000 bighas of land in Dima Hasao district on lease for building a cement plant. The case, Sonesh Hojai and 21 Ors v. The State of Assam and 6 Ors, came up before the Gauhati High Court this week.
Advocate General Devajit Saikia, representing the State and the North Cachar Hills Autonomous Council (NCHAC), argued that industries are needed to bring peace and progress to the region. He pointed out that the North Cachar Hills, which once struggled with insurgency, are now more peaceful because of development. According to him, if investors leave for “whimsical reasons,” it would hurt Assam’s growth.
Saikia said the cement plant would bring an investment of nearly ₹11,000 crore and jobs for about 5,000 people. With their families, around 20,000 people could benefit from new housing, roads, and other facilities. He also clarified that the land has been leased for 30 years, with the government charging an annual fee of ₹250 per bigha and a one-time premium of ₹2 lakh per bigha. The State stressed that no one lives on the land being leased.
Justice Sanjay Kumar Medhi, however, reminded the government that development cannot come at the cost of the environment. He noted that protecting ecological balance is part of the right to life under Article 21 of the Constitution. “Not at the cost of the environment. If you do not follow the rules and regulations…” he warned.
Earlier, on August 12, the High Court had expressed concern over such a large land allotment in a Sixth Schedule district, where the rights of local tribal communities must be given priority. The Court had asked NCHAC to submit complete records of the allotment. Those documents, along with a report from a government-appointed three-member committee, were filed this week.
The Court has now given three weeks’ time for other stakeholders to respond to the State’s affidavit. The matter will be heard again on September 24.
Case Name: Sonesh Hojai And 21 Ors v. The State of Assam And 6 Ors
Case No. W. P. (C) 467 of 2025
Bench: Justice Sanjay Kumar Medhi
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