M/S.BAGHOPURI M M SAMABAI SAMITI vs STATE OF ASSSAM

The Supreme Court addressed the applicability of the proviso to Rule 12 of the Fishery Rules concerning the Maimal Community's entitlement to fishery rights outside Cachar District. The Court held that the benefits under the proviso are not geographically restricted to Cachar District, emphasizing that backwardness and economic deprivation are the primary criteria for entitlement. The Court affirmed the need for the Government to reassess the settlement based on the society's compliance with the necessary conditions, thus upholding the principle of equitable access to resources for marginalized communities.