Chandigarh, July 30: Immediate administrative intervention has been ordered by the Punjab and Haryana High Court to curb unauthorized mineral extraction operations across three major districts in the state.
Hearing a public interest matter presented by petitioner Sandeep Singh, the Division Bench of Acting Chief Justice Ashwani Kumar Mishra and Justice Rohit Kapoor mandated that local officials act decisively against any unlawful extraction identified on the ground.
The court stated:”It goes without saying that in case any illegal mining is being carried out in the area, the concerned authorities shall take all steps, available at their command, to restrict such illegal mining.”
The decision stems from grievances regarding operations across the region, with the Bench observing: “Prayer in the writ petition is with regard to rampant illegal mining in districts of Jalandhar, Moga and Ludhiana.”
To establish a clear account of the ground situation, state counsel has been instructed to present formal documentation regarding current enforcement measures before the bench resumes proceedings.
The judges directed:”Let a status report in this regard be filed by the State counsel, before the next date of hearing.”
The matter will return to the courtroom on September 2 for further consideration following the submission of the state’s reply.
