BY TC News Desk
Agartala, 19th July 2025: The Tripura Human Rights Commission (THRC) has issued a notice to the Revenue Secretary following a complaint against the District Magistrate (DM) and Collector of West Tripura, Dr. Vishal Kumar, over an alleged violation of property rights.
THRC Chairperson Justice Arindam Lodh has taken cognizance of the complaint filed by Sujoy Banik, a resident of Birendranagar in West Tripura district. Banik alleged that the DM denied mutation of a land parcel he had purchased on September 17, 2014, measuring 2.19 acres in Purba Barjala Tehsil. The land is recorded under Sabek Dag Nos. 4780, 4781, 11737, and 4738, corresponding to Hal Dag No. in Khatian No. 1666.
According to the THRC report, the DM made allegedly false observations in Revenue Case No. 824/22, stating that the original allotment of the land was erroneous. The DM’s decision was reportedly based on two official reports—one from the Deputy Collector and Magistrate (DCM) dated March 21, 2023, and another from the Sub-Divisional Magistrate (SDM), Jirania, dated March 23, 2023.
However, the Commission noted that neither report mentioned that the allotment was done in error. On the contrary, the SDM’s report recommended that Banik be considered the legal owner of the land, though he did not have physical possession. It was also noted that there was no evidence of acquisition or transfer of the said land by the government.
Banik has alleged that his fundamental right to property has been violated, referencing a Supreme Court judgment in State of Haryana vs. Mukesh Kumar [(2011) 10 SCC 404].
“The Commission finds a prima facie case of human rights violation involving the denial of the right to property by the DM & Collector, West Tripura. Accordingly, cognizance is taken. A copy of the complaint is being forwarded to the Revenue Secretary with a directive to submit a response to the allegations,” the THRC report stated.
