JUDGMENT :

(A.M. Bujor Barua, J.)

1. Heard Mr. B. Baruah, learned counsel for the petitioners. Also heard Mr. C. Sarma, learned Standing Counsel for North Cachar Hills Autonomous Council being the respondent Nos.3—7, Mr. D. Gogoi, Standing Counsel for the Forest Department, Government of Assam being the respondent Nos.9—11 and Ms. M. Bhattacharji, learned Govt. Advocate, Assam representing the respondent Nos.1 & 2.

2. The petitioners herein claimed to be inhabitants of the villages, namely, Mangadi Hawar, Palaipahadi, Diyungiaaosa, Khimthao, Dihakubra II, Thaiplyungdisa, Dilimpur, Thanggumbaijora, Mosodisa, Pampughat, Garanggisim, Mahubra Kurangbra II, Santipur, Simbao II, Rongpangdisa II, Luckybill, Hadingma Hatikhali, Langlodisa II, Dima Haplai II, Thaijudisa, Thaijudisabra, Warigiding, Mangadihower, etc. of Dima Hasao District. The petitioners also claim that their respective villages were set up several decades ago with permission from the North Cachar Hills Revenue Department.

3. In the circumstance, this PIL is filed with the following prayers:

“In the premises aforesaid, Your Lordships would be pleased to admit this petition, call for the records of the case, issue rule call