Shillong (Meghalaya), Aug 1: The Meghalaya High Court has disposed of a public interest litigation (PIL) alleging illegal limestone mining by Amrit Cement Industries Limited in East Jaintia Hills district, directing the state government to maintain strict vigilance over the company’s operations. The court restricted the scope of the PIL to the company’s activities at Mulieh, Umlong village, while noting that a separate PIL concerning broader issues of illegal mining in the state is already pending.
The division bench of Chief Justice IP Mukerji and Justice W Diengdoh observed that although Amrit Cement obtained a mining license on January 11, 2023, the petitioner alleged the company engaged in illegal mining both before and after the license was issued. The state government had cleared the company of wrongdoing after an inquiry, but the petitioner contested this finding, claiming he was not given an opportunity to present his case during the inquiry.
The court directed the Chief Secretary to ensure the mining license is used strictly as per rules and that no unauthorized extraction is carried out. It also mandated that every three months, the Chief Secretary or an authorized officer must conduct an inquiry and publish a report on the state government’s website confirming whether Amrit Cement is operating within the limits of its license.
Counsel for Amrit Cement informed the court that while the company holds a valid license, mining operations under it have not yet begun but are expected to start soon.
