Tribal Committee Demands Cancellation of Elections and Gram Sabha Rule
Key Points:
- Committee says Mango falls under Fifth Schedule area
- Claims corporation formed without TAC consultation or legal basis
- Plans PIL in High Court and mass rally on October 5
JAMSHEDPUR – The formation of Mango Municipal Corporation was termed unconstitutional by the Joint Gram Sabha Sangharsh Samiti of Ulidih, Mango. The group held a press conference at Baliguma, NH-33, on Saturday demanding cancellation of elections and recognition of Gram Sabha-based governance.
The committee argued that the Jharkhand government’s notification of August 23, 2017, does not apply to Scheduled Areas. It said that under the Fifth Schedule, laws cannot be extended without consultation with the Tribal Advisory Council, which was not followed in Mango.
According to them, land in 12 mouzas of Mango is fully owned by tribals, and SAR courts have already passed several land restoration orders. They cited Article 243ZC of the Constitution, which prohibits formation of municipal corporations in Scheduled Areas.
They also noted that despite the 74th Constitutional Amendment, Parliament has not passed any law to allow corporations in such areas. The Union Urban Development Ministry, in an RTI reply, confirmed this position.
The committee announced that a public interest litigation will soon be filed in Jharkhand High Court, Ranchi. A public outreach drive will also be launched to engage tribal organizations and intellectuals. A large public meeting is scheduled for October 5, 2025, at Baliguma.
The press event was attended by committee president Madan Mohan Soren, secretary Deepak Murmu, treasurer Sanatan Tudu, Majhi Baba Somay Soren, Rajendra Soren, Durga Majhi, Sunil Hembram, Sanjay Murmu, Nayke Baba Mohan Hansda, Bablu Murmu, Pappu Soren, Sonaram Tudu, Rakhal Soren, Birhot Mardi, and Sukhlal Hansda.
