Meghalaya HC calls for probe into illegal coal trade

In its order passed while hearing a PIL on the issue, the division bench headed by the Chief Justice Sanjib Banerjee said, “In view of Article 144 of the Constitution of India and the obligation of all to aid in the implementation of the orders of the Supreme Court and the apparent failure of the State in such regard as would be apparent from the newspaper reports on the basis of which cognizance was taken, an inquiry is called for.”

In view of the gravity of the matter, the bench has also directed that the matter be placed before the Full Bench with the full complement of the Judges of the Court on March 7.

“The matter is of importance and great seriousness since orders of the National Green Tribunal as approved by the Supreme Court appear not to have been carried out,” it said.

It further added that it is also evident that certain time-bound recommendations were made by a committee constituted by the NGT and there is copious reference to such recommendations in the Supreme Court order of July 3, 2019.

Several other recommendations have subsequently been directed to be implemented by the NGT, but it does not appear that any action has been taken in such regard.

“The aspect that engages the attention of this Court is the illegal mining that appears to have resurfaced and is rampant in large areas of the State, without any permission or license or sanction being obtained therefor notwithstanding the law as declared in the Supreme Court judgment of July 3, 2019,” the bench stated in its order.

On February 23, the court while taking cognizance of reports and the complaint filed by the Nokma of Nengchigen against certain persons, including the police, alleging widespread illegal mining of coal within the clan lands, had also threatened to appoint a special investigation team to investigate into the racket.

“It is made clear that the matter complained of needs to be looked into, without any political interference; or else, the Court may be constrained to appoint a fact-finding committee or even put a special investigation team in place or take the assistance of some agency so that the matter is appropriately and thoroughly investigated in accordance with law and the persons involved are brought to book,” it had then said.

By Our Reporter