US SC rules half of Oklahoma as Native American land

Washington, July 10 In a landmark case, the US Supreme Court has ruled that about half of Oklahoma state belonged to the Native Americans.

Thursday's decision in McGirt v Oklahoma is seen as one of the most far-reaching cases for Native Americans before the highest US court in decades, the BBC said in a report.

The ruling means some tribe members found guilty in state courts for offences committed on the land at issue can now challenge their convictions.

On Thursday, the Justices decided 5-4 that an eastern chunk of the state, including its second-biggest city, Tulsa, should be recognised as part of a reservation.