BALARAM BAIDYA Vs. STATE OF WEST BENGAL

JUDGEMENT

(1.) Counsel submits that the petitioner cultivating the land particulars whereof have been given in the petition is unable to harvest the crop because of local hooligans interference. He says that the petitioner needs supply of police guards, and that the police are guilty of inaction.

(2.) The question is whether the High Court under Article 226 or the police can decide the questions: whether the petitioner cultivated the land in question, and, if so, whether he has acquired a right to harvest the crop.

(3.) The provisions of Chapter 18 of the West Bengal Land and Land Reforms Manual, 1991 provide for settlement of disputes regarding cultivation and harvesting. The Block Land and Land Reforms Officer is the authority to examine the matter, and all disputes regarding cultivation and harvesting are to be decided according to provisions of the Chapter.