Dehradun, March 1 -- The long-running dispute over alleged encroachments on railway and adjoining state government land in Banbhoolpura in Haldwani has evolved into a crucial test case for governance and the rule of law in Uttarakhand. What began as a demarcation exercise around land adjoining the railway track near Haldwani station has now reached its final stages before the Supreme Court of India, whose verdict is awaited with considerable anticipation across political and administrative circles. The next date of the hearing in the case has been fixed for 19 March and it can be hoped that a final judgement will be delivered in the case.
The controversy in Banphoolpura Railway Land case had deepened after the Uttarakhand High Court ordere...