SC directive to return tribal land before July 31

NEW DELHI: The Supreme Court on Friday ordered Kerala government to return lands to those tribals, who lost control over their lands, before July 31.

The apex court also directed the State to hand over arable lands and reminded that if the law is violated, it would be considered as contempt of court.

The courts move is to implement the law formulated by the state government in 1990. The law concerning the returning of trabals� lands was amended in 1975.

The supreme court had in 1990 gave consent to a petition of the state government asking for more time to implement the law.

As per the law of 1990 those who encroached less than two hectares of tribal land would not be ev