Forest Rights Act: SC seeks clarification

The Supreme Court on Thursday asked the Central government to clarify its stand on a key provision in the Forest Rights Act, which gives powers to gram sabhas of the tribal community to conserve and manage community forest resources. The apex court asked the government whether the minerals lying in the tribal areas are also vested with the forest community. Solicitor General R F Nariman Nariman said that they can be excavated only after getting the informed consent of the tribal people. This interpretation of the law by the government, however, was objected to by Orissa Mining Corp.