Inre Suo Motu Illegal Mining Of Coal In The State Of Meghalaya vs State Of Meghalaya

H.S. Thangkhiew, J

A Status Report on behalf of the State respondents, has been filed pursuant to the 24th and 25th Interim Reports submitted by Hon’ble Mr. Justice (Retd.) B.P. Katakey Committee.

While referring to the Report, the learned Advocate General assisted by Ms. R. Colney, learned GA has submitted that in the suggestions and recommendations made in the Interim Reports apart from demurrage, the other directives have not been carried out but are in process i.e. (i) Satellite imagery and (ii) closure of mines to stop the alleged illegal coal mining in South West Khasi Hills District. He submits with regard to the levy of demurrage charges, the same has been put into action, but due to the political climate in Bangladesh, huge amount of coal is yet to be lifted by the auction purchasers. With regard to the status of inventoried coal, it is shown that the transportation of the entire inventoried coal has been completed, from pitheads to the coal depot. He however, prays that due to the delay in implementing the other recommendations, perhaps the State respondents be given some time to complete the same. The submissions are noted.

Hon’ble Mr. Justice (Retd.) B.P. Katakey Committee has also filed the 26th Interim Report, where in the summary recommendations, has touched upon the area, which the State respondents are yet to comply with. A copy of the Interim Report is made available to the learned Advocate General, who shall file an interim status report on 16.12.2024, before Court’s closing, to allow this Court to pass further orders as necessary.

List accordingly on 16.12.2024.