MP High Court Issues Notice In Coal Worker's Wife's Petition Seeking Probe Into Husband's Death Over Safety Violations
Jayanti Pahwa
12 Dec 2025 3:40 PM IST
The Madhya Pradesh High Court has issued notice in a writ petition filed by the wife, seeking a probe into the death of her husband, who was a coal worker allegedly forced to unload the overburden despite heavy rainfall, leading to his vehicle sliding into water water-filled pit.
In her petition, the wife sought an inquiry under Section 24 of the Mines Act, a compensation of ₹40 lakhs as announced by Coal India Ltd, and directions to hand over the body of the deceased Anil to his family members for performing his last rituals.
The bench of Justice Vishal Mishra directed;
"Issue notice to the respondents on payment of process fee within seven working days by RAD mode".
The petition was filed by the wife of Anil Kushwaha, a heavy vehicle Driver who tragically lost his life while performing his duties under the employment of the respondent no 6, a company contracted for the excavation of coal at the SECL mine site in District Shahdol.
Per the petition, in August 2025, Anil joined respondent no 6 and was assigned to drive a tipper truck. On October 11, 2025, the region experienced heavy rainfall, and the mine area, where the overburden was being unloaded, was already waterlogged. The mine, which was at a depth of 80 meters, had been closed for 15 years, and no excavation activities had been taking place.
Despite these conditions, the supervisor in charge directed Anil to continue unloading the overburden in the flooded mine area, immediately after the rainfall. As a result, the surface soil became unstable. Tragically, while unloading, Anil's vehicle slid into the water-filled pit, causing the vehicle to submerge, leading to his untimely death. Two other workers were also injured in the incident.
After the incident, the management informed the petitioner about the accident at 10:00 PM on the same day. The following morning, the deceased's family arrived at the site to find that no safety measures were in place. There was a lack of safety equipment and a lack of warning signs or boards.
On October 12, 2025, Authorities began a search operation for the recovery of the body and a search was conducted by the State Disaster Response Force (SDRF), National Disaster Response Force (NDRF), Army Personnel and local officials. However, after four days of unsuccessful attempts, the search was called off by the Shahdol Collector.
On October 15, a panchnama was prepared, and in the meeting, the authorities assured that within 60 days the mine's water would be drained and the body would be recovered and handed over t the family. However, no recovery process took place.
The petition stated that despite the involvement of senior administrative officers, no FIR was lodged regarding the incident. The family was shocked to know that no formal report was prepared.
The petition stated that the SECL management violated the Mines Act, 1952, as well as the guidelines issued by Coal India Ltd regarding the closure of coal mines and the safety of workers.
Further, the petition stated that the family had received ex gratia compensation of ₹25 Lakh. However, since no FIR was filed, the family's attempt to claim insurance could not be processed.
Additionally, the family had not received the compensation promised by Coal India Ltd for contract workers who suffered injuries or death while working in coal mines.
Case Title: Aarti Kushwaha v Union [WP-44603-2025]
For Petitioner: Advocate Manoj Kushwaha
For Union: Advocate Seema Sahu