Cuttack, October 10: The Orissa High Court has directed the authorities to reconsider the cancellation of Land Rights Certificates (LRCs) issued to Prakash Chandra Kuanr and others, and take a decision within 15 days.

Justice Gaurishankar Satapathy passed the order while hearing a petition challenging the cancellation of LRCs granted to landless persons and slum dwellers in Dhenkanal Municipality.

The petitioners argued that their certificates were cancelled without giving them an opportunity to present their case. The administration, however, cited their ownership of other plots of land as the reason for cancellation.

Observing that government benefits cannot be withdrawn arbitrarily without following due process, the High Court directed the authorities to hear the petitioners and reconsider the matter in accordance with the law.