A significant land dispute has emerged in Gram Dhanapa, Merta sub-division of Nagaur district, involving approximately 10,000 bighas of 'gochar' (pasture) land. The Sub-Divisional Magistrate (SDM) of Merta, Poonam Chayal, has issued a controversial order that District Collector Arun Kumar Purohit has severely questioned, while this decision, allegedly in violation of revenue rules, appears to directly benefit JK White Cement Works Gotan. The Collector has deemed the SDM's decision 'ultra vires' and 'devoid of judicial discretion,' causing a stir in administrative circles. This incident once again fuels the debate surrounding private companies' encroachment on government land and potential administrative corruption, with demands for strict government action.
The Heart of the Controversy
A major land dispute has surfaced in Gram Dhanapa, located in the Merta sub-division of Nagaur district, concerning approximately 10,000 bighas of 'gochar' land. The Sub-Divisional Magistrate (SDM) of Merta, Poonam Chayal, has allegedly issued a ruling that violates revenue rules, seemingly designed to directly benefit JK White Cement Works Gotan, while district Collector Arun Kumar Purohit has strongly objected to this decision, labeling it as 'beyond jurisdiction' and 'devoid of judicial discretion. ' This case is igniting a debate about private companies' interests in government land and administrative corruption, with calls for stringent action from the government, while however, the question remains whether this is merely administrative negligence or if larger interests are at play. It remains to be seen when the government will take decisive action in this entire matter.
The current dispute traces back to a mutation (number 411) recorded during 1978-80, which officially designated approximately 10,000 bighas of land in Dhanapa as 'gochar. ' Gochar land holds immense significance for rural communities, serving as a primary grazing source for livestock and playing a crucial role in maintaining ecological balance. This land is public property, utilized by the entire village's cattle, while it's an integral part of the local ecosystem, helping to preserve biodiversity. However, it's frequently observed that private companies attempt to seize such vital public lands for their commercial interests, often at the expense of local communities and the environment, leading to significant ecological and social repercussions.
A 42-Year-Old Mutation and the Importance of Gochar Land
JK Cement's Appeal and the SDM's Disputed Ruling
JK Cement company challenged this 42-year-old mutation by filing an appeal in the court of Merta SDM Poonam Chayal. Following hearings on this appeal, SDM Poonam Chayal delivered a verdict on November 10, 2025. In her ruling, she dismissed the 1978-80 mutation and ordered the reclassification of the land as 'magra' (hilly terrain) and 'pahar' (mountain), while this decision appears to directly favor the company, as land classified as 'magra' and 'pahar' can be utilized for commercial purposes such as mining, whereas 'gochar' land use is strictly limited to animal grazing. This reclassification could Notably ease mining operations for the company, providing them with substantial economic advantages.
Violation of Revenue Rules and Disregard for High Court Orders
SDM Poonam Chayal's decision not only violates the clear provisions of the Rajasthan Land Revenue Act but also directly disregards several crucial judgments delivered by the High Court, such as the directives in the 'Gulab Kothari vs, while state Government' case. According to established revenue rules, the authority to change the classification of pasture or gochar land rests solely with the District Collector. A Sub-Divisional Magistrate doesn't possess such powers. Despite this clear jurisdictional limitation, SDM Poonam Chayal issued a ruling in this significant matter, acting beyond her authority, which raises serious questions about her intentions and the legality of her actions. This constitutes a grave administrative lapse that highlights a disregard for established legal procedures.
Collector's Sharp Questions on SDM Poonam Chayal's Role
District Collector Arun Kumar Purohit immediately took cognizance of SDM Poonam Chayal's decision and, in his inquiry report, raised five pointed questions regarding her conduct. The first question is: when the authority to change the classification of gochar land? Lies exclusively with the District Collector, how did SDM Poonam Chayal issue such an order? This represents a direct transgression of her jurisdiction. Second, the Collector's court had already ruled on this matter in 2023; why did the SDM hear it again? Hearing and ruling on the same matter in two different courts raises serious questions about judicial process and consistency.
The third question is: after an appeal was once withdrawn, how was it reinstated nine months later without issuing notice to the opposing party, while this is a direct violation of the principles of natural justice, where the other party wasn't given an opportunity to present their case. Fourth, in the absence of original records, how was the 42-year-old mutation deemed fraudulent merely on 'presumption'? Declaring any old record fraudulent without concrete evidence is a serious judicial error. And fifth, why was permission repeatedly granted for adding and removing parties in applications, which appears to be an abuse of legal provisions? All these questions point towards serious irregularities in the SDM's modus operandi.
Allegations of Favoring the Company and Disregard for Natural Justice
The questions raised by the Collector clearly indicate that SDM Poonam Chayal disregarded. The principles of natural justice and established legal procedures throughout this entire episode. The mining leases were transferred to JK Cement in 1987, 2006, and 2015, while the land had already been recorded as gochar much earlier. Thus, the company had no legal basis to challenge the old mutation. Despite this, the SDM showed undue haste in ruling in favor of the company, while this situation creates serious suspicion as to whether this is merely a case of administrative negligence, or if there is a larger scheme to provide undue benefits to a private company, even at the cost of public land. This incident highlights the growing threat to gochar land in. Rajasthan, where public resources are being exploited for private interests.
District Collector's Swift Action and Further Proceedings
District Collector Arun Kumar Purohit promptly took notice of the SDM's controversial decision and instructed the Tehsildar of Merta to prepare an appeal against this ruling through the government advocate. He also issued orders to obtain a 'stay order' on the SDM's decision to prevent any changes in the land classification. The Collector has termed this entire incident a 'major example of administrative negligence' and an 'attempt to weaken the interests of the state government. ' This demonstrates that the district administration understands the gravity of the matter and is committed to protecting government resources. This step is a crucial initiative towards the conservation of public land.
Growing Threats to Public Land and Policy Questions
This case isn't merely limited to the alleged negligence of one Sub-Divisional Magistrate; rather, it raises serious questions about the entire system of the Rajasthan government, while it highlights how private companies are eyeing public and crucial gochar lands, and how, at the administrative level, rules can be overlooked to benefit them. What concrete and effective policies should the government formulate to protect? Vital resources like gochar land, to prevent such incidents in the future? Will any disciplinary action be taken against SDM Poonam Chayal, or will this matter be confined solely to appeals and stays? The answers to these questions will only emerge in due course, but this incident once again underscores the urgent need for the conservation of public resources and calls for strict action from the government.
