Meghalaya High Court on illegally mined coal

Newmai News Network

Shillong, Oct 4: The Meghalaya High Court today directed that illegally mined coal should not be diverted to cement and coke industries in the state.

In addition to the report filed by the State, the 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.

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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.

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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.

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