An NGO Shramik Mukti Sanghatana, working for tribals in Thane district, had filed a public interest petition seeking implementation of a GR which said all Eksalidars be declared owners of the plots they were cultivating for years. The resolution also stated these plots be deleted from the list of forest lands and be shown as revenue land.

The Ek Sali system started in 1950. With a view to empower tribals and grant them security, government decided to release the plots to the Ek Sali lease holders. But the decision was not implemented and a writ petition was filed in this connection. On February 13, 1987, HC ordered government to act in favour of Ek Sali lease holders. But government did not take appropriate steps, following which this petition was filed. The government claimed it needed time tomeasure plots while transferring ownership. The process of transfer has been started by the tehsildar after verifying revenue records.

It has been found the total number of such plots are over 13,174. Some plots are yet to be measured, and proposals are to be sent to forest department. Delay in handing over the plots is attributed to this. But the court has observed government should not further delay the handing over of the plots. The process of measuring the plots should be completed within one year.