The Supreme Court dismissed a writ petition from the Mizo Chief Council regarding compensation for lands acquired by the government in Mizoram’s Lushai Hills district. The petition, filed under Article 32 of the Constitution, claimed the government took lands from traditional Mizo chiefs without fair compensation, infringing on their fundamental right to property. Historically, Mizo chiefs managed territories, offering farmland to villagers in exchange for customary tribute. The Assam Mizo District (Acquisition of Chief’s Rights) Act, 1954, transferred land rights from chiefs to the government, resulting in a compensation of ₹14.78 lakh, which petitioners argued was inadequate. The Supreme Court found no violation of fundamental rights, stating privileges of traditional rulers cannot be deemed legally enforceable rights. Consequently, the bench, led by Justices J.B. Pardiwala and R. Mahadevan, confirmed that the petitioners were not entitled to relief, dismissing the writ petition and all related applications on March 13, 2026.
