The Supreme Court has initiated suo motu proceedings in a matter concerning the alleged illegal grabbing of forest land in Uttarakhand, expressing serious concern over the inaction of the State authorities.

A Bench headed by Chief Justice of India Surya Kant observed that it was alarming that forest land was allegedly being encroached upon while the State and its authorities failed to take timely action. In view of the situation, the Court decided to register a suo motu case.

The Court directed the Chief Secretary of Uttarakhand and the Principal Secretary in charge of forest and conservation matters to constitute a fact-finding committee to inquire into the allegations and submit a report before the Court.

As interim measures, the Supreme Court restrained private parties from creating any third-party rights over the land in question and ordered that no construction activity shall be carried out. The Court further directed that vacant forest land, excluding existing residential houses, be taken over by the Forest Department.

The matter has been directed to be listed after the Court reopens on Monday for further proceedings.