Editor
In Short: Meghalaya High Court criticizes state for allowing unverified coal export, implicating collusion with illegal mining activities. The court highlights negligence in verifying the source of exported coal and accuses higher-level officials of benefiting from illegal operations. Calls for decisive action and transparency in the coal trade.
The Meghalaya High Court has strongly criticized the state government for permitting the export of coal through land customs stations without verifying the source or origin of the coal. The court, presided over by Chief Justice Sanjb Banerjee and Justice W Diengdoh, was hearing a Public Interest Litigation (PIL) filed by Champer M Sangma.
Expressing concern, the court highlighted that the state had allowed a significant quantity of coal to be cleared for export without properly investigating its source. The court pointed out that numerous letters were issued by central agencies and the Union finance ministry, warning the state about suspected illegal coal mining and transportation.
The court further accused the state of complicity with illegal mining activities and the associated mafia, suggesting that higher-level officials may be benefiting from these unlawful operations at the expense of significant revenue loss to the state.
The Meghalaya High Court's scathing observations underscore the need for the state to take decisive action against illegal coal mining and transportation, and to ensure transparency and accountability in the coal trade.