Archive · 24 Jan 2026
Orissa High Court rejects plea against eviction
The Orissa High Court in India recently made a decision about some people who were living on public land.
These people had been living there for a long time and asked the court to protect them from being evicted.
They also wanted some benefits before they had to leave.
The court said no because the land is needed for important public projects, like a coal mine.
The court explained that just because someone has been living somewhere for a long time doesn't mean they have the right to stay if it's public land.
The court's decision was based on Article 21 of the Indian Constitution, which protects people's right to live and work, but not if they are doing so illegally.
Orissa High Court dismissed petitions challenging eviction notices for public land.
The land was acquired decades ago for a coal mining project and public development.
The court ruled that long-standing illegal occupation does not create a legal right.
Protection of livelihood under Article 21 does not legitimize illegal occupation of public land.
The court emphasized that public land is needed for legitimate public purposes.
- Who
- Orissa High Court
- What
- Dismissed petitions against eviction notices
- When
- January 22
- Where
- Orissa, India
- Why
- To clear land for a coal mining project and public development
- Court
- Orissa High Court
- Petitioners
- Elderly man and others
- Land Use
- Coal mining project and public development
- Article Cited
- Article 21
- Order Date
- January 22