Judgement of the Supreme Court of India regarding unregulated coal mining in the tribal areas of Meghalaya, 03/07/2019
Judgement of the Supreme Court of India in the matter of State of Meghalaya Vs All Dimasa Students Union & Others dated 03/07/2019 regarding unregulated coal mining in the tribal areas of Meghalaya, which has resulted in not only loss of lives but damage to the environment of the area.
The following directions were passed by the SC:
1. The state of Meghalaya has been asked to transfer the amount of Rs.100 Crores to Central Pollution Control Board from the Meghalaya Environment Protection and Restoration Fund to be used by Central Pollution Control Board for restoration of Environment.
2. All extracted coal as assessed by State of Meghalaya lying in different districts of State of Meghalaya which as per order of NGT was in custody of the state shall be handed over to Coal India Ltd. for proper
disposal.
3) The Katakey Committee after discussion with Coal India Ltd. and State of Meghalaya shall formulate a mechanism for transport, weighment of all assessed coal.
4) The Coal India Ltd. shall auction the coal so received by it as per its best judgment and remit the proceed to State to the extent as directed above.
5) All coal seized by the State for which cases have already been registered shall be dealt by the State in accordance with Section 21 of 1957 Act.
