Meghalaya High Court: A public interest litigation was filed against alleged illegal mining of limestone by the respondent, a cement company, the Division Bench of I.P. Mukerji*CJ. And W. Diengdoh J. disposed of the same and directed the State Government to monitor the respondent to prevent illegal mining of limestone.
Background
In the present case, the petitioner alleged that the respondent operated a cement plant and in the course of such business also indulged in illegal mining of limestone. Further, he obtained the license in 2023 but before that and even thereafter was engaged in wrongful activity.
After making inquiry, the State Government submitted the Report absolving the respondent of allegation concerned. However, the petitioner strongly objected and alleged that he was not heard in the inquiry.
The Chief Secretary contended that the respondent was not indulged in any illegal mining at any point of time before or after obtaining the license. Further, the respondent contended that mining activity in terms of that license had not commenced yet but was likely to start soon.
Analysis and Decision
Considering the report of the State Government and Chief Secretary’s submission, the Court directed the State government to monitor and ensure that the license granted to the respondent was properly utilized and that it was not indulged in illegal mining of limestone.
Further, the Court directed the Chief Secretory to issue a communication after due enquiry that the respondent continues or does not continue to mine limestone in accordance with the license. The Court opined that it would be published on the website of the Government considering that public-spirited person might have interest in ensuring that there was no illegal mining of minerals in the State. Thus, the Court disposed of the public interest litigation.
[Ranjit Chandra Goswami v. State of Meghalaya, PIL No.1 of 2025, decided on 1-8-2025]
*Judgment by: Chief Justice I.P. Mukerji
Advocates who appeared in this case :
For the Petitioner: A. Goyal, Adv
For the Respondents: A. Kumar, Advocate General, N. Syngkon, GA, J.N. Rynjah, GA, N. Mozika, DSGI, K. Gurung, Adv, T. Yangi B, Sr. Adv, D.K. Banerjee, Sr. Adv and T. Sutnga, Adv
