Khaps Protest Against Eviction near Harappa-era site at Rakhigarhi in Haryana

Reported by

Damandeep Singh

Legal Data by

Edited by

Updated by

Published on

January 18, 2018

January 18, 2018

Updated on

January 18, 2018

Location of Conflict

Rakhigarhi

Hisar

Reason or Cause of Conflict

Other Kind of Land Use

Archeological Excavation

(

)

People Affected by Conflict

965

Households Affected by Conflict

Land Area Affected (in Hectares)

500

ha

Starting Year

2018

State

Haryana

Sector

Land Use
Summary
Fact Sheet
Legal Data
Additional
Information
Resources
Images
Videos

The twin villages of Rakhi Khas and Rakhi Shahpur, together known as Rakhigarhi, in Haryana's Hisar district, has protected mounds, which archaeologists believe contain over 5000yearold traces of the Harappan civilization. Archaeologists say, this is the second most important Harappan site after Dholavira in Gujarat. In January 2018, The villagers led protests against the eviction notices to 201 villagers by the Archaeological Survey of India (ASI). Follwing which, a khap panchayat in Rakhigarhi was held opposing the efforts of authorities to remove 201 structures near the Harappan site. The notice sent by ASI to villagers stated that, villagers have 'encroached' the land but villagers claim that in 1986, the then village panchayat had allotted them this shamlat (common land). 

While sections of the villagers are opposing the take over of their land and houses by the ASI, the government authorities are gearing up the construction of rehabilitation colonies for the affected people.

As of September 2021, the villagers who were served with eviction notices are continuing to live there. Rajesh, former Sarpanch of Rakhi Shahpur village said LCW that the government authorities have promised the villagers that they will not be evicted from the Archeological site.

Demand/Contention of the Affected Community

Refusal to give up land for the project

Demand for rehabilitation

Demand to retain/protect access to common land/resources

Demand for legal recognition of land rights

Other Demand/Contention of the Affected Community

Region Classification

Rural

Type of Land

Both

Type of Common Land

Non-Forest (Other than Grazing Land)

Total investment involved (in Crores):

₹

Type of investment:

Year of Estimation

Page Number In Investment Document:

Has the Conflict Ended?

No

When did it end?

Why did the conflict end?

Categories of Legislations Involved in the Conflict

Land Acquisition Laws, Other

Legislations/Policies Involved

Ancient Monuments and Archaeological Sites and Remains Act, 1958
Section 19(1): No person can construct a building within a protected area without the permission of the central government; Section 19(2): The central government can order the removal of a building constructed within a protected area; Section 20: The central government can acquire a protected area under the Land Acquisition Act, 1894 if it is of the opinion that it contains an ancient monument of national interest and value; Section 20A: Prohibited area is the area beginning at the limit of a protected area and extending to a distance of 100 metres in all directions; Section 20A(2): No person other than an archaeological officer can carry out construction in any prohibited area..
Ancient Monuments Preservation Act, 1904
Rule 38(1): The central government can direct the owner or occupier to remove unauthorised buildings; Rule 38(2): If the owner or occupier fails to comply, the central government can direct the district magistrate to ensure that the unauthorised building is removed and recover costs from the owner or occupier.
Punjab Village Common Lands (Regulation) Act, 1961
Section 5: If the land vested with a village exceeds 25% of the area of that village, a portion of the shamlat deh must be used for the settlement of landless tenants and other tenants who have been ejected from the village.

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Whether claims/objections were made as per procedure in the relevant statute

What was the claim(s)/objection(s) raised by the community?

What was the Decision of the Concerned Government Department?

Legal Processes and Loopholes Enabling the Conflict:

Forced evictions/dispossession of land

Lack of legal protection over land rights

Legal Status:

Out of Court

Status of Case In Court

Whether any adjudicatory body was approached

Name of the adjudicatory body

Name(s) of the Court(s)

Case Number

Main Reasoning/Decision of court

Major Human Rights Violations Related to the Conflict:

No items found.

Whether criminal law was used against protestors:

Reported Details of the Violation:

Date of Violation

Location of Violation

Nature of Protest

Boycott of official procedures/non-participation in official processes

Campaigns (grassroots organisations/press releases/media)

Complaints/petitions/letters/memorandums to officials

Development of a network or collective

Protests/marches

Public campaign

Referendum and other local consultations

Government Departments Involved in the Conflict:

Archeological Srvey of India (ASI)

PSUs Involved in the Conflict:

Did LCW Approach Government Authorities for Comments?

Name, Designation and Comment of the Government Authorities Approached

Corporate Parties Involved in the Conflict:

Did LCW Approach Corporate Parties for Comments?

Communities/Local Organisations in the Conflict:

Khap Panchayat Members

Resources Related to Conflict

  • News Articles Related to the Conflict:
  • Documents Related to the Conflict:
  • Links Related to the Conflict:

Image Credit:  

Image Credit:  

Documented By

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Reviewed By

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Updated By

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Edited By

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