Shillong, August 1: The Meghalaya High Court has disposed of a public interest litigation (PIL) alleging illegal limestone mining by Amrit Cement Industries Limited in East Jaintia Hills, directing the state government to maintain strict vigilance to ensure the company adheres to its mining license terms.
The division bench of Chief Justice IP Mukerji and Justice W Diengdoh, in its judgment passed today, said the government must ensure that the license granted to Amrit Cement is properly utilised and that the company does not engage in illegal mining.
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“On the rival submissions made, the report of the government and the stand taken by the Chief Secretary, we direct that the State government keeps a vigil to ensure that the licence granted to the respondent No.9 (Amrit Cement Industries Limited) is properly utilised and that it does not indulge in illegal mining of limestone,” the bench said.
It further directed that every three months, the Chief Secretary or a competent officer authorised by him must publish a report on the government’s website, confirming whether Amrit Cement continues to mine in accordance with the licence. This is intended to provide transparency and inform any public-spirited individual concerned about illegal mining.
The PIL, filed by Ranjit Chandra Goswami, had alleged that Amrit Cement engaged in unlawful limestone mining without proper permits. Although the company received a mining licence on Jan 11, 2023, the petitioner alleged illegal mining activities both before and after the licence was issued. The state government, however, submitted a report absolving Amrit Cement of the allegations. The petitioner challenged this, leading the court to seek further clarification.
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The Advocate General, defending the state’s findings, argued that before obtaining the licence in 2023, Amrit Cement lawfully purchased limestone from private vendors. He also noted that the Supreme Court is currently hearing a separate case related to international limestone sales by private vendors, which does not impact domestic transactions.
He added that the petitioner had vested interests, possibly representing a rival industrialist seeking to shut down Amrit Cement’s operations. He reiterated that, based on government records, the company had never engaged in illegal mining. Senior Advocate DK Banerjee, appearing for Amrit Cement, informed the court that mining activities under the 2023 licence have not yet commenced but are likely to begin soon.
(Newmai News Network)