Meghalaya High Court Mandates Strict Oversight of Mineral Transport to Bangladesh
The High Court of Meghalaya has issued a directive to authorities to implement rigorous monitoring of the transportation of minerals and boulders to Bangladesh. The court has mandated that no vehicle carrying such materials be permitted to pass through the Land Customs Station and forest department check gates without possessing a valid transport challan or other requisite documentation.
Suo Motu PIL Initiated Based on Evidence
A division bench comprising Chief Justice Revati Mohite Dere and Justice HS Thangkhiew registered a suo motu Public Interest Litigation (PIL) after receiving a letter dated April 15, 2026. This letter, which included annexed photographs and videos, raised significant concerns regarding heavy motor vehicles—such as goods trucks and dumper trucks—transporting boulders and other minerals toward the Bangladesh border, particularly along National Highway-206, allegedly in violation of existing laws.
Court Orders Stringent Enforcement Measures
On Tuesday, the court issued specific orders to address these violations. It directed that any vehicles found without the requisite documents must be seized or confiscated along with the minerals, in accordance with the law. Furthermore, the court mandated that all vehicles transporting minerals must hold valid fitness certificates and Pollution Under Control (PUC) certificates to ensure compliance with environmental and safety standards.
The court also instructed authorities to conduct regular drives to verify that minerals are being excavated exclusively from licensed areas, thereby curbing illegal mining activities.
Concerns Raised in the Letter
The letter that prompted the court's action highlighted several critical issues, including:
- Alleged illegal extraction and transportation of minerals
- Damage to public roads due to heavy vehicular movement
- Adverse impacts on local residents
- Environmental loss and damage
The bench observed, "The apprehensions raised in the letter are prima facie visible and real." It further stated, "It is a matter of grave and serious concern that trucks/dumpers are allowed to ply without registration plates or checking of valid and requisite documents necessary to ply the minerals."
Authorities Impleaded and Notices Issued
The court directed the registry to implead multiple key entities as respondents in the case. These include:
- The State of Meghalaya
- Mining and Geology Department
- Directorate of Mineral Resources
- Transport Department
- Forest Department
- District Administration and Police
- Meghalaya State Pollution Control Board
- Revenue and Taxation Department
- Union of India
- Commissioner of Customs
- Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change
- Border Security Force (BSF)
Notices have been issued to all respondents. Advocate General A Kumar waived notice on behalf of the state departments, while DSGI N Mozika waived notice for the Union of India, Customs, and BSF. Both parties have requested time to file affidavits detailing the steps taken under various relevant laws, including:
- The Meghalaya Minor Minerals Concession Rules, 2016
- The Meghalaya Mines and Minerals Policy, 2012
- The Meghalaya Mineral (Prevention of Illegal Mining, Transportation and Storage) Rules, 2022
This comprehensive judicial intervention underscores the court's commitment to addressing illegal mining and transportation activities, ensuring legal compliance, and protecting environmental and public interests in the region.
