Criminalisation of Adivasis began with the forest laws enacted by British colonial regime that constructed a discourse that forest is a space inhabited by unruly savages who are, by nature, dangerous criminals. Thus, forests and Adivasis were both to be tamed and rescued by the colonial government from each other.
Colonial domination was established through the Indian Forest Act, 1927, itself based on a 19th century Forest Act of 1865. This mainframe colonial legislation continues to be the parent statute that governs the forests and its resources even today.
This summary provides a glimpse of the 11 chapters as they build on a narrative that traces the construction of the Adivasis from original settlers to “illegal encroachers”. They stand accused and are victimised. Whether as complainants or as accused persons, they are forced to engage with a legal system that persistently treats them with disdain and prejudice.
Colonial domination was established through the Indian Forest Act, 1927, itself based on a 19th century Forest Act of 1865. This mainframe colonial legislation continues to be the parent statute that governs the forests and its resources even today.
This summary provides a glimpse of the 11 chapters as they build on a narrative that traces the construction of the Adivasis from original settlers to “illegal encroachers”. They stand accused and are victimised. Whether as complainants or as accused persons, they are forced to engage with a legal system that persistently treats them with disdain and prejudice.
