Institute of Legal and Management Studies

The Supreme Court on Thursday came down heavily on the State of Haryana over non-action against illegal mining in the Aravallis in Nuh District.

The Court also noted that the mining mafia in the region was also protecting the erring officials involved. The CJI said :

"It appears that the mafia is strong enough to protect not only its members but also the officers of the state government who have acted in collusion with them."

The bench of CJI BR Gavai and Justice AG Masih directed the Chief Secretary of the State of Haryana to file a fresh affidavit after taking action against all the erring officials involved by July 16.

Sr Advocate K Parameshwar, who was the amicus in the matter, referred to the CEC report and informed the bench that an unauthorised road, which is 1.5 Km wide was contracted cutting through the Aravalli forest by the mining mafia in collusion with the state officials for facilitating the transportation from Nuh to Rajasthan of illegally mined stones from the Aravalli range .

The CJI termed the earlier affidavit filed by the Haryana Chief Secretary as 'evasive' and noted that the fact that so far, no action has been taken against the officers involved shows the deep-rooted involvement of the mining mafia. He said :

"It appears that the mafia is strong enough to protect not only its members but also the officers of the state government who have acted in collusion with them."

The CJI further added that the Chief Secretary and Deputy Collector have handled the issue with a lack of care. The order said :

"We have no hesitation in observing that the Chief Secretary and the Deputy Collector of Nuh have acted with laxity in matters pertaining to ecology and environment."

"We direct the chief secretary to take action against all erring officials and file a detailed affidavit by July 16"

The matter will now be heard on July 16.

Case Details : IA in IN RE : T.N. GODAVARMAN THIRUMULPAD Versus UNION OF INDIA AND ORS.| W.P.(C) No. 202/1995