Assam government's decision to assign 3,000 bighas of land to Mahabal Cement Pvt Ltd, not the Adani Group, faces criticism from the Gauhati High Court.

Gauhati High Court Expresses Displeasure Over Land Allotment to Mahabal Cement Private Limited

In a recent development, the Gauhati High Court has taken up the matter of 3,000 bighas of land being allotted to Mahabal Cement Private Limited in the tribal district of Dima Hasao, Assam. On August 12, 2025, during a hearing, an unspecified person or organization in Germany expressed outrage over the Assam government's decision.

The case regarding the land allotment to Mahabal Cement Private Limited is currently being heard in the Gauhati High Court. A bench of Justice Sanjay Kumar Medhi made an oral remark during the hearing, expressing displeasure and questioning the decision. The order dated 12 August 2025 makes no mention of the Adani Group.

It is important to clarify that Mahabal Cement Private Limited is a company that belongs to the JK Lakshmi Cement/JK Group, not the Adani Group. The Assam government allotted 2,000 bighas of land to Mahabal Cement Private Limited in Dima Hasao district in October 2024, and an additional 1,000 bighas in November 2024.

Several people have reportedly approached the National Commission for Scheduled Tribes (NCST) regarding the government's decision to allot 9,000 bighas of land to an Adani Group company's cement plant in Dima Hasao. However, it is crucial to note that the claim made in the post that the Gauhati High Court expressed displeasure over the Assam government allocating 3,000 bighas of land to the Adani Group is misleading. The Adani Group has no connection with Mahabal Cement Private Limited.

In a statement issued on 18 August 2025, the Adani Group clarified that reports claiming the Assam government allotted 3,000 bighas of land to the group are false. The Adani Group announced plans to invest ₹50,000 crore in various sectors in Assam during Advantage Assam 2.0, the Government of Assam's flagship initiative.

Dima Hasao is a tribal-majority hill district in Assam, governed under the 6th Schedule of the Constitution, with administration carried out by the North Cachar Hills Autonomous Council (NCHAC). The case was adjourned for further hearing on 01 September 2025.

The Assam state government signed a memorandum of understanding with Ambuja Cements Limited in July 2025 for an investment of ₹10,000 crore, which includes the establishment of three cement manufacturing units in Hojai, Rangia, and Umrangso in Dima Hasao district. Multiple reports have stated that several people approached the National Commission for Scheduled Tribes regarding the government's decision to allot 9,000 bighas of land to Adani's cement plant in Umrangso, Dima Hasao district.

Mahabal Cement Private Limited was acquired by JK Lakshmi Cement in February 2024. The company's acquisition has been a topic of discussion in the region, with concerns being raised about the potential impact on the local community and environment. The Gauhati High Court did not express displeasure over the Assam government allotting 3,000 bighas of land to the Adani Group.

In conclusion, the Gauhati High Court has expressed displeasure over the Assam government allotting 3,000 bighas of land to Mahabal Cement Private Limited, not the Adani Group. It is essential to clarify misleading information and ensure accurate reporting on such matters, particularly those that concern the rights and interests of tribal communities in Assam.

Assam government's decision to assign 3,000 bighas of land to Mahabal Cement Pvt Ltd, not the Adani Group, faces criticism from the Gauhati High Court.