Shillong (Meghalaya), April 21: The High Court of Meghalaya has initiated Suo motu proceedings against the illegal transport of boulders and minerals to the Bangladesh border, pulling up authorities for “administrative indifference” after trucks were found plying NH-206 without registration plates or valid documents.
A division bench of Chief Justice Revati Mohite Dere and Justice H.S. Thangkhiew registered PIL No. 4/2026 on Monday based on an April 15 letter that raised apprehensions of “serious repercussions” from the unchecked movement of heavy motor vehicles, including dumper trucks, carrying minerals toward the border. The letter, supported by photographs and videos, alleged that transportation was happening without due procedure, in violation of law, and that many vehicles lacked registration plates. It also flagged illegal extraction, damage to public roads, adverse impact on local residents, and environmental loss which cannot be compensated.
“Allowing vehicles to ply without number plates or valid documents, prima facie, reveals a disturbing pattern of inaction and administrative indifference,” the bench observed, adding that the concerns raised are “prima facie visible and real.” The court noted mining is restricted within 50 meters of villages, highways, and water sources, and requires forest and wildlife clearances in forest areas, with operations expected to follow approved plans for sustainable and scientific use of resources.
The court directed Land Customs Station and Forest Department check points to verify mineral transport challans and other required documents corresponding to each truck number. If a vehicle is found without the requisite licence or documents, authorities may seize or confiscate the vehicle and mineral as per law. It also ordered that vehicles transporting minerals must have valid fitness certificates and PUC, a drive be conducted to ensure excavation only from licensed areas, and strict compliance with all Acts and Rules governing mineral transport.
Notice was issued to the State of Meghalaya and the heads of the Mining and Geology Department, Directorate of Mineral Resources, Transport, Forest, District Administration and Police, Meghalaya State Pollution Control Board, Revenue and Taxation Department, Union of India, Commissioner of Customs Meghalaya Shillong, and the Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change.
Advocate General A. Kumar waived notice for the state departments while DSGI N. Mozika waived for the Union of India, Customs, and BSF. Both sought times to file affidavits on steps taken under the Meghalaya Minor Minerals Concession Rules 2016, the Mines and Minerals Policy 2012, and the Mineral (Prevention of Illegal Mining, Transportation and Storage) Rules 2022. The Advocate General was also asked to take instructions on the existing policy for exporting minerals, particularly limestone.
Copies of the order are to be sent immediately to the Commissioner of Transport, the Principal Chief Conservator of Forests, the Mining and Geology Department, Directorate of Mineral Resources, and the Commissioner of Customs in Shillong. The AG and DSGI were directed to forward the order to concerned authorities for compliance with the interim directions.
Affidavits are to be filed before the next hearing. The matter will be taken up again on April 28.
