The Gauhati High Court has rapped the lawyer representing the cement company in Sonesh Hojai and 21 Ors v The State of Assam and 6 Ors case. Justice Sanjay Kumar Medhi expressed shock over the allotment of almost the entire Dima Hasao district for setting up a cement factory. The district is Dima Hasao, and as per the 6th Schedule of the Constitution, observing that under the Sixth Schedule of the Constitution, the rights and interests of local tribes must take precedence. The land in question lies in Umrangso, a region known for its hot springs, migratory bird stopovers, and rich wildlife.
‘3,000 bighaas! Entire district?’
A video from the courtroom has gone viral on social media. It opens to show the judge asking about the company’s name. When she responds, “Mahabal Cement. Cement company,” he presses further on whether land had been allotted to the firm. The lawyer confirms, saying, “Allotment of 3,000 bighas.”
The judge, who couldn’t believe this, repeated the figure in disbelief and added, “The entire district….”
The counsel admits she is unaware of the full extent of the land.
“3000 bighas allotted to a private company,” the hudge repeats.
‘Is this some kind of joke?’
The lawyer interjects that the land was required to set up a factory, describing it as “barren land”. Justice Medhi, however, snapped back: “We know how barren it is. 3000 Bighas. What kind of decision is this? 3,000 bighas. Is this some kind of joke or what?”
The lawyer interrupts him by saying that her client needs it.
To this, the judge said that “public interest” should be put above all.
SHOCKING!!
— 𝓝𝓱 𝓒𝓲𝓷𝓰 (@NhCing) August 17, 2025
Adani was given 3,000 bigha (81 million sqft) by the Assam BJP government for cement factory.
Even the High Court Judge was taken aback:
"Is this a joke?"
Are you giving a whole district?" pic.twitter.com/unRkBYrEgd
The lawyer attempted to defend her client, arguing, “We are not interested in taking anyone’s land. We are a cement company. By tender, we have got the mining lease.”
Expressing shock over this, the judge ordered North Cachar Hills Autonomous Council (NCHAC) to present documents related to the land allotment policy for Mahabal Cements. The case will come up again on September 1.
The court was hearing two sets of pleas: one filed by locals challenging their eviction, and another by Mahabal Cements seeking protection from those allegedly obstructing its operations.