Tribes have right to maintain relationship with land, says SC

NEW DELHI: With tribes being displaced due to industrialisation and mining, the Supreme Court has held that they have right to maintain relationship with their land which is their most important asset.

The apex court said that social, political and cultural rights of indigenous people must be protected and any industrial venture cannot be established in their areas without approval of their Gram Sabha.

"Land is their most important natural and valuable asset and imperishable endowment from which the tribal derive their sustenance, social status, economic and social equality, permanent place of abode, work and living. Consequently, tribes have great emotional attachments to their lands," a bench headed by Justice Aftab Alam said.

"STs ( Scheduled Tribes) and other TFDs (Traditional Forest Dweller) residing in the Scheduled Areas have a right to maintain their distinctive spiritual relationship with their traditionally owned or otherwise occupied and used lands," the bench said, adding that agriculture is the only source of livelihood for them apart from collection and sale of minor forest produce to supplement their income.