Tamil Nadu forest dwellers protest SC eviction order in Theni

On August 7, 2026, thousands of traditional forest dwellers from about 98 villages in the Megamalai hills and Varusanadu areas of Tamil Nadu gathered at the Theni collectorate to protest a Supreme Court order directing the state to evict residents from forest land.

The demonstrators, joined by leaders of the ruling TVK, AIADMK, DMK and other parties, demanded that the Tamil Nadu government invoke the Forest Rights Act, 2006, and file a review petition. They argued that the residents are rightful inhabitants, condemned the court’s suggestion of deploying paramilitary forces, and called for recognition of land rights and an end to eviction notices.