Justice Delayed: A Mahadalit Woman's Struggle Against Eviction

The Patna High Court has temporarily halted the eviction of Saroj Devi, a Mahadalit resident, from a settlement in Begusarai, Bihar. The court directed the state government to pause the process until further legal proceedings are concluded, highlighting potential procedural flaws under the Bihar Land Encroachment Act.

The Patna High Court has intervened in a controversial eviction case involving Saroj Devi, a woman from the Mahadalit community in Bihar's Begusarai district. Justice Ajit Kumar's bench ordered a stay on the eviction process until further notice.

This decision was prompted by Saroj Devi's petition against the eviction notice, which she claims was issued without proper legal proceedings as required under the Bihar Land Encroachment Act of 1956. According to her, the notice was issued by the Cheriabariyarpur Circle Officer without initiating the necessary procedural steps.

The court has adjourned the hearing until April 7, providing time for the state to clarify whether due process under the law has been followed. In the interim, the state is instructed to halt any eviction actions.

(With inputs from agencies.)