Meghalaya High Court Mulls Contempt Proceedings Against Chief Secretary, DGP For Failure To Check Illegal Coal Mining Operations

The Meghalaya High Court on Monday sought to know why contempt proceedings should not be initiated against both the State's Chief Secretary and the Director General of Police for their apparent inaction and failure to check illegal coal mining operations and transportation in the State.

A full bench comprising Chief justice Sanjib Bannerjee and Justices HS Thangkhiew, W. Diengdoh slammed the authorities on being informed that coal dumps were found outside the boundary wall of a Police Station in Shallang but, no action was taken to by the administration to ascertain its owners, landowners or persons who transported such coal.

"The matter pertaining to the rampant illegal mining and illegal transportation of illegally mined coal has been brought to the notice of the highest officials of the State, including in the police and in the civil administration. Personal affidavits will be filed by the Chief Secretary and the Director-General of Police...indicate why contempt proceedings should not be initiated against both the Chief Secretary and the Director-General of Police for their apparent inaction and failure to check the illegal coal mining operations and transportation in the State," the order stated.

The bench was hearing its suo moto PIL to curb illegal coal mining in the State, registered last year. It took on record the 13th interim report filed by retired Justice B.P. Katakey, which revealed shocking findings from a recent field visit conducted in the West Khasi Hills District. Numerous unauthorized coke oven plants were discovered operating without necessary consents from the Meghalaya State Pollution Control Board.

Recognizing the severity of the situation, the bench has sought personal affidavits from the Chief Secretary and the DGP.

"It would be completely unreasonable and arbitrary for a group of persons to be required to undertake mining in a regulated, scientific manner upon paying the due licence fees and royalty therefor; while others are permitted to continue illegal mining without obtaining any permission or paying any revenue to the State for such purpose," the bench observed.

The next hearing in this case is scheduled for May 23, 2023.

Case Title: In Re: (Suo motu): Illegal mining of coal in the State of Meghalaya

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