Meghalaya HC directs State to ensure illegally-mined coal is not diverted to cement and coke industries

The Meghalaya High Court on Wednesday directed that illegally-mined coal should not be diverted to cement and coke industries in the state.

“Further action in such regard should continue unabated to ensure that the illegally-mined coal in the State is not diverted to such industries as aforesaid,” the full bench headed by Chief Justice Sanjib Banerjee said in its order passed after hearing a PIL on the issue.

In addition to the report filed by the State, Advocate-General informed that details have been obtained and further details are awaited as to the extent of use of coal and the source of such coal in the ferro-alloy, cement and coke industries.

The AG also informed that pursuant to certain observations made by Justice Katakey in one of the interim reports, show-cause notices have been issued to some of the units manufacturing cement in the State.

The order said as to the 17th interim report filed by Justice Katakey, the State said that a report will be filed before Justice Katakey by October 7, 2023, as directed, as to the steps taken by the State in respect of various aspects that have been pointed out in the interim report.

The State also assured the Court that the disposal of the previously mined coal is continuing as per schedule and, as far as practicable, the schedule submitted in Court will be adhered to.

The bench has directed that the matter will again appear after six weeks and that Justice Katakey be paid an ad hoc remuneration of Rs. 4 lakh in addition to the other expenses as per previous directions.

Meanwhile, the bench has directed the State to look into the allegations levelled against Jai Maa Coal Private Limited and its associates and the persons in control by the petitioner in the relevant PIL.

It said that the State of Assam assures the Court that all assistance has been rendered to Meghalaya Police and the State of Assam will continue to ensure that the incidental activities pertaining to illegal mining in Meghalaya, if conducted in Assam , are arrested.