BackLAW
Gram Sabhas that gave nod to Nicobar project did not have mandatory 50% quorum
The A&NI administration contends that consent for the ₹92,000-crore Great Nicobar project was obtained through Gram Sabhas that did not meet the 50% quorum rule under FRA. At meetings on August 12, 2022, attendance ranged from 2% to 15% of village populations, with 349 attendees (4.6%) signing on the project; the administration argued this met 'proper quorum' and that resolutions were unanimous. The matter is before the Calcutta High Court, with petitions alleging FRA violations and the Centre seeking time to demonstrate tribal consent.
Why It Matters
This raises questions about compliance with forest-rights procedures and the legitimacy of consent for a major infrastructure project in the Nicobar Islands.
Timeline
3 Events
May 6, 2026: Article publication on ongoing High Court proceedings
May 6, 2026
The article reports that the Calcutta High Court is hearing petitions alleging FRA violations in obtaining forest-rights consent for the project. It notes submissions from the Centre seeking time to demonstrate tribal consent, affidavits from the Tribal Welfare Department and the Union Ministry of Tribal Affairs, and ongoing legal proceedings.
August 12, 2022 Gram Sabhas held for seven Nicobar villages
August 12, 2022
Three Gram Sabha meetings were held for Campbell Bay, Laxmi Nagar, and Govind Nagar Gram Panchayats, covering seven villages, within half an hour of each other. Campbell Bay had 105 attendees, Laxmi Nagar 163, and Govind Nagar 81. Relative to 2011 Census populations (5,736; 1,107; 676), these represent 1.83%, 14.72%, and 11.98% attendance, respectively; total attendees were 349 (4.6%). The administration said the meetings passed unanimously and claimed this attendance met 'proper quorum' despite the 50% FRA requirement.
2022: Stage-I clearance and Tribal Council withdrawal of consent
2022
Soon after the Centre granted Stage-I clearance to the Great Nicobar project, the Tribal Council of Little and Great Nicobar withdrew its consent via a letter to the Union government and other authorities. The administration later described the withdrawal as procedurally untenable and devoid of legal effect because it was not addressed to the Chairman of the District Level Committee and was received beyond the 60-day window after the SDLC’s decision. The administration asserted FRA due process, including prior notice and SDLC acceptance of Gram Sabha resolutions.