PESA Act 1996

In one line: A law that gives tribal village assemblies real power in Scheduled Areas.

What it does

The Panchayats (Extension to Scheduled Areas) Act, 1996 extends the panchayat system to Fifth Schedule areas, which have large tribal populations. But it adapts the system to tribal ways of life.

Powers of the gram sabha

The gram sabha can protect local traditions, community resources and customary ways of settling disputes. It must be consulted before land acquisition and on some mineral leases.

Link to this story

In 2013 the Supreme Court relied on the gram sabhas' role under these laws to let the Niyamgiri villages decide on mining. Critics say any new proposal must respect PESA and the Forest Rights Act too.

Where to go next

• Forest Rights Act 2006: The law that recognised forest dwellers' historic rights
• Particularly Vulnerable Tribal Groups: The most marginalised tribal communities