A Critical Study Of The Forest Rights Act, 2006: Issues And Challenges

Abstract

The Forest Rights Act, 2006 has been lauded as one the most progressive enactment of the 21st century which aims to undo the historical injustices committed upon traditional forest dwellers in the pre-colonial and post-colonial era by restoring their traditional forest rights. However even after more than one and half decade later, the act could not make progress in terms of its implementation. This research article comprehensively analyzes the forest policies during the pre-colonial and post-colonial era and how it led to the enactment of the Forest Right Act, 2006 followed by the analysis of critical issues relating to the recognition of forest rights, functioning of gram sabha and role of forest bureaucracy in granting such rights. Thereafter, it delves into the concerns relating to the implementation of the Act and judicial concerns relating to the Forest Rights Act, 2006.