Article 14

Standing Up, Standing Out: This #Diwali, we asked reporters what is unique about writing for Article 14. Help us spread the light. Subscribe or gift a subscription to support independent journalism that functions without fear or favour. article-14.com/subscribe

As #Modi govt—in response to @RahulGandhi’s visit to Andaman & Nicobar Islands—repeats claim that tribal welfare, consent is central to Rs 92,000-cr Great Nicobar project, @rishpardikar finds govt-backed tribal welfare body illegally signed away lands of reclusive tribe Link below 👇 1/3

“With this bail order, authorities wanted to humiliate us for being part of an anti-mining movement that will not only displace us but also ruin these beautiful hills that provide us with basic necessities" #SupremeCourt, however, said it wouldn't comment on the mining itself 6/6

This was among 8 orders issued between May 2025-Jan 2026, which @Article14live accessed—7 by 2 judges—one dominant caste, other an OBC, 1 by the High Court by dominant-caste judge. Of the 8 protestors to receive such orders, 6 were Dalit, 2 Adivasi, including Umakant Naik below 5/6

“The judiciary... gave this casteist order, which makes me wonder where we stand” Kumeswar Naik, 26-year-old Dalit, told @nikita_jain15 after cleaning police stations as part of bail, as protests against a bauxite mine of the Vedanta Group in Odisha are criminalised 4/6

""We are deeply disappointed and disheartened, and express our strongest disapproval at the manner in which the Odisha State judiciary has, in fact regressed to a colonial mindset by imposing such onerous, degrading & humiliating conditions..." livelaw.in/top-stories/cr… 3/6

"We are of the considered view that no other state judiciary shall also ought to impose such caste-coloured and oppressive conditions," said the Supreme Court, declaring the bail conditions "null and void" @LiveLawIndia reported today livelaw.in/top-stories/cr… 2/6

“The petitioner shall clean... Kashipur Police Station every morning between 6 am & 9 am” Orissa HC bail condition for Adivasi/Dalit anti-mine protesters on 28 May 2025 Today #SupremeCourt struck down the orders, reported by @nikita_jain15 last week article-14.com/post/after-sta… 1/6

Thank you to @Article14live for giving space to such stories. I also published about the fake cases and harassment of activists in Tijimali @MaktoobMedia Both are important platforms currently and need all the support and subscription.

The Nicobarese tribe withdrew consent for the project in 2022. The Shompen never gave it—no one outside the tribe speaks their language. Yet the Andaman Adim Janjati Vikas Samiti gave consent on their behalf, a power it does not have, 3 former members tell @rishpardikar 3/3

A State-Backed Tribal Body—Without Authority—Grants Consent On Behalf Of A Tribe For The Great Nicobar Project article-14.com/post/a-state-b… 2/3

The Nicobarese tribe withdrew consent for the Rs 92000-cr Great Nicobar Project in 2022 The Shompen never gave it—no one speaks their language Yet a govt-backed tribal body cleared the project, a power it does not have, 3 former members tell @rishpardikar Link below 👇

A State-Backed Tribal Body—Without Authority—Grants Consent On Behalf Of A Tribe For The Great Nicobar Project article-14.com/post/a-state-b…

In Aug 2022, a govt-backed tribal welfare body in the Andamans assumed legal powers it did not have & quietly signed away lands of reclusive Shompen tribe for Rs 92000 cr #GreatNicobar project despite objections, 3 former members told @rishpardikar Link below 👇

A State-Backed Tribal Body—Without Authority—Grants Consent On Behalf Of A Tribe For The Great Nicobar Project article-14.com/post/a-state-b…

“Before, it was the British Raj. Today, these people rule” An ex-employee of a tribal welfare body in the Andamans that has illegally enabled the Great Nicobar project by signing away rights of a reclusive tribe that does not know about it. @rishpardikar reports Link below 👇