Jaipur: In a significant order aimed at curbing illegal mining, the Rajasthan High Court has warned that mining lease holders found indulging in or permitting illegal mining beyond their sanctioned lease areas may face cancellation of their mining leases.
The Division Bench of Acting Chief Justice Sanjeev Prakash Sharma and Justice Maneesh Sharma passed the significant observation while disposing of a Public Interest Litigation concerning illegal mining and encroachments at Derwala Pahadi in Jhunjhunu district.
The PIL was filed alleging rampant illegal mining and encroachments in the area. During the proceedings, the State Government informed the Court that the illegal mining activities had been stopped, action had been initiated against the violators, penalties had been imposed, and the Mining Department would continue strict surveillance to prevent any future violations.
Taking note of the assurance, the Court observed that the responsibility to curb illegal mining is not limited to the authorities alone. The Bench emphasized that mining lease holders are equally responsible for ensuring that no unauthorized mining takes place in or around their leased areas.
The Bench expressed concern that mining lease holders themselves are often responsible for illegal mining by extending excavation beyond the boundaries of their sanctioned lease areas.
The Court made it clear that if such violations are detected in the future, the Mining Engineer shall be free to cancel the mining lease of the defaulting lease holder.
After recording the State’s compliance and assurance, the Court disposed of the Public Interest Litigation.
However, it granted liberty to the petitioners to approach the Court again by filing a fresh PIL if illegal mining resumes.