Illegal Mineral Transport To Bangladesh Border: Meghalaya HC Registers Suo Motu PIL, Flags “Disturbing Pattern Of Inaction”

The Meghalaya High Court, registered a suo motu public interest litigation on the basis of a letter highlighting large-scale illegal transportation of boulders and minerals towards the Bangladesh border. The Court noted concerns regarding unregulated mining activities, environmental degradation, and administrative inaction.A Division Bench of Chief Justice Revati Mohite Dere and Justice Mr. H.S. Thangkhiew remarked that: “ It is a matter of grave and serious concern that trucks/dumpers are allowed to ply without registration plates or checking of valid and requisite documents necessary to ply the minerals. All authorities concerned are entrusted with the solemn duty of enforcing the rule of law and protecting public resources… Allowing vehicles to ply without number plates/valid documents, prima facie, reveals a disturbing pattern of inaction and administrative indifference.”Background:The proceedings arose from a communication dated 15 April 2026, which alleged that heavy vehicles transporting minerals were operating without registration plates and without complying with statutory requirements. Photographs and videos were also submitted evidence. It was further submitted that there was illegal extraction, damage to public infrastructure, environmental harm, and adverse effects on local residents.The Court remarked that the concerns raised had a real impact as allegations of illegal extraction and transportation of minerals, disclosed a situation that required immediate judicial attention. The Court stated that Mining is supposed to be restricted in sensitive areas (50 meters from villages, highways and water sources) and requires forest/wildlife clearances in areas designated as forests. It reiterated that mining must adhere to prescribed safeguards, including distance restrictions from habitations and environmental clearances, as well as compliance with approved scientific mining plans. Thus, the Court issued issued interim directions mandating that no vehicle be allowed to pass through check points without valid mineral transport documents, stating that no vehicle passes in the absence of any valid mineral transport challan. It further gave the authorities power to seize vehicles and minerals in case of violations, required compliance with fitness and PUC norms, and directed enforcement drives to ensure mining is carried out only in licensed areas, while emphasising “strict compliance of the relevant Acts/Rules/Regulations.Case Name: Registrar General, High Court of Meghalaya V/s State of MeghalayaCase No.: PIL No.4/2026Date of Decision: 21.04.2026 For the Respondent(s): Mr. A. Kumar, Advocate General with Ms. R. Colney, GADr. N. Mozika, DSGI with Ms. K. Gurung, AdvClick Here To Read/Download Order

Illegal Mineral Transport To Bangladesh Border: Meghalaya HC Registers Suo Motu PIL, Flags “Disturbing Pattern Of Inaction”

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