SHILLONG: The High Court of Meghalaya has directed the Judicial Enquiry Commission to widen its investigation into illegal coal mining in East Jaintia Hills, including examining the supply-demand nexus and fixing responsibility on officials and other facilitators.
Hearing a suo motu Public Interest Litigation (PIL) on illegal mining on Tuesday, a division bench comprising Justices H. S. Thangkhiew and W. Diengdoh noted that illegal mining thrives due to strong market demand and profitability, and warned that extraction would not continue without buyers and financial backing.
“… in as much as, no illegal extraction would occur if the same was not fueled by demand which makes this dangerous activity highly profitable,” the order stated.
The bench said that ignoring this aspect would prevent authorities from dismantling the entire illegal mining chain.
Concerns Over Special Investigation Team
The Court also examined the constitution of the Special Investigation Team (SIT) and its mandate. It expressed concern that the team was headed by a relatively junior officer.
The Advocate General assured the Court that a more senior official would lead the SIT, following which the bench stressed that the investigation must be “incisive and effective” which will discourage any future illegal mining activity.
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Action Against Officials and Facilitators
While noting the registration of 77 FIRs, arrests of 14 persons, and seizure of over 16,000 metric tonnes of illegal coal and explosives, the Court said sustained efforts were required to curb illegal mining.
The status report also mentioned the suspension of two officers in charge of concerned Police Outpost and transfer of Superintendent of Police, East Jaintia Hills.
The Court has also directed authorities to examine the role of district officials, mining department personnel, police, transport officials, and even NGOs allegedly involved in facilitating illegal mining operations.
“… Added to this, what is deemed necessary by this Court is also the examination of the manner of the transport of illegally extracted coal and the role of transport officials, Police, non-State players, such as NGOs, which is part of the whole chain in the facilitation of illegal mining operations.”
The Court also ordered the present and former Superintendents of Police of East Jaintia Hills to remain present at the next hearing on March 5, 2026.
