SC Raps Uttarakhand for 'Mute Spectator' Role in Forest Land Grabbing, Orders Probe

• Supreme Court initiated a suo motu case, strongly criticizing Uttarakhand authorities for inaction on illegal forest land grabbing.
• Chief Justice Surya Kant expressed shock, stating authorities were "sitting like mute spectators" while land was encroached.
• Court directed the Chief Secretary and Principal Conservation Secretary to form an enquiry committee and submit a comprehensive report on encroachments.
• Private parties are restrained from creating third-party rights or construction on forest land; vacant land to be repossessed.
• A recent drive at Corbett Tiger Reserve freed 25 hectares from 52 encroachers, with some exempted due to High Court stay orders.

Why It Matters: SC intervenes in Uttarakhand forest land grabbing, demanding immediate action and accountability from state.