Disputed Land-Acquisition Records Require Crime Branch Investigation With Signature Verification & Cyber Forensics: Tripura High Court
The Tripura High Court has directed the Crime Branch to investigate a land-acquisition dispute concerning the NH-208 project and subject the disputed records to signature verification and cyber forensics, after the petitioner questioned the authenticity of a statement and email relied upon by the authorities to claim that joint verification and demarcation of her land had been conducted.
The Court observed that the disputed factual issues required a deeper investigation and directed that the matter be examined by a Senior Officer of the Crime Branch.
Justice Dr.T. Amarnath Goud directed “the concerned department to assign the matter to a Senior Officer of Crime Branch to investigate into the matter. The Crime Branch shall send the disputed documents for signature verification and cyber forensics.”
Background:
The petitioner, Smt. Meri Kalai @ Mary Kalai, claimed ownership and possession of 0.740 acres of land, out of which 0.498 acres was acquired for the NH-208 project under Award No. 1248 dated October 21, 2025. She alleged that the remaining 0.242 acres, which was not acquired, was also being utilised for the project without acquisition or compensation.
She therefore approached the High Court seeking GPS/geo-tracking survey, physical verification and demarcation of the land and compensation if any unacquired portion was found to have been utilised.
The High Court found that the petitioner's challenge to the statement and email relied upon by the authorities raised a serious factual dispute, particularly regarding the authenticity of her signature and the email.
The Court observed that the matter required deeper investigation and forensic examination, which is beyond the scope of ordinary writ proceedings.
It therefore referred the matter to the Crime Branch for investigation, including signature verification and cyber forensics, with the final report to be placed before the District Magistrate and Collector for further action in accordance with law.
Case Name: Smt.Meri Kalai v/s The State of Tripura
Case No.: WP (C) No.684 of 2026
Date of Decision: 14.09.2026