The Forest Rights Act

V. Sambasivam vs. Union of India and Ors. (WP 4533/2008) Petitioner: V. Sambasivam (retd IFS)
Respondents: Union of India (and MoEF, MoTA); DG (Forests); Government of Tamil Nadu (also Department of Environment and Forests, TN); PCCF Tamil Nadu

This petition relies on the general arguments shared by all the cases.  It is essentially identical in content (though in a different order) to the Madurai, Andhra Pradesh, Orissa and Karnataka petitions.

Status: On February 22nd, 2008, the Madras High Court issued an interim order in this case staying any grant of pattas under the Act and any felling of trees under the development rights section of the Act.  On  April 30th, 2008, the HC clarified its earlier order by extending it to all rights under the Act while stating that the process of identification of rights holders will proceed.

On April 22nd, 2010, on an application by the State government, the High Court expressed its willingness to vacate the interim order and potentially dismiss the entire case if the process so far appears satisfactory.