Meghalaya HC: Deploy 10 Companies of CAPF to Check Illegal Coal Transport
First Published: 13th April, 2023 15:47 IST
Rampant illegal mining of coal has continued in the state and such illegally mined coal has been allowed to be freely transported, even to the extent of being regularly exported
In a significant order, the Meghalaya High Court has directed the Union Home Ministry to deploy 10 companies of the Central Armed Police Force (CAPF) to put a check on the rampant illegal coal mining and transportation going on in Meghalaya.
“The Union Ministry of Home Affairs, through the Home Secretary, is directed to ensure the deployment of 10 companies of appropriate Central Armed Police Force to be commanded independently or jointly by officers from the local police that may be selected by the Court, strictly for the purpose of keeping a vigil on the roads and arresting the illegal transportation of illegally mined coal in the state,” a bench headed by Chief Justice Sanjib Banerjee said hearing a PIL on Wednesday.
The court asked the Home CAPF to be deployed after Deputy Solicitor General of India Dr Mozika informed the court that the Central Industrial Security Force (CISF) is unwilling to take up the assignment as the nature of the work does not fall within the usual activities undertaken by CISF. The court has asked the Home Ministry to report back on the action taken in the next hearing.
The court said it did not seek the deployment of CISF in particular, but in view of the fact that it wanted a more independent force to check the illegality since the Central Reserve Police Force are under the direct control of the state police. “The real intention of this court was for the local police not to be associated in the process since it had been ineffective in such regard, the CISF may be the appropriate force,” the order said.
The bench further said, “Rampant illegal mining of coal has continued in the state and such illegally mined coal has been allowed to be freely transported, even to the extent of being regularly exported to Bangladesh by possible false declarations that the coal originated elsewhere.”
The next hearing of the case is slated for April 27.
COMMENTS
TOPMOST STORY NOW
Live Brother of BSF Jawan Deepak Chingakham Who Died in Cross-Border Firing by Pakistan in Jammu Appointed ASI in Manipur Police on Compassionate Grounds
11th July 2025
Live Maikhuli Villagers Protest MoU Over Assam-Meghalaya Border, Demand Return of Fishery
11th July 2025
Live Chhangur Baba Received Rs 500 Crore in Foreign Funds for Illegal Conversions: Anti-Terror Squad
11th July 2025
Live Taiwan Detects 9 Chinese Warships, 1 Aircraft Breaching ADIZ Amid Rising Tensions
11th July 2025
WE RECOMMEND
Maikhuli Villagers Protest MoU Over Assam-Meghalaya Border, Demand Return of Fishery
At the heart of the protest lies the contentious inclusion of the village's long-maintained fishery within Assam’s territory under the MoU.
11th July 2025
Shubhanshu Shukla Speaks to Students from Assam and Meghalaya from Space, Tells Them He Will Guide Them To Become Astronauts, Walk on the Moon
The Indian astronaut connected with the students using amateur (Ham) radio, making it a rare and inspiring moment.
11th July 2025
Shillong Cantonment to Finally Get Building Bye-Laws After 53 Years; Draft Sent to Defence Ministry for Approval
As per the approved draft, residential buildings along motorable roads can go up to Ground plus 3 (G+3) floors.
11th July 2025
Centre Sanctions Rs 1,066 Cr For Flood And Landslide Hit Assam, Manipur, Meghalaya and Mizoram
These states have experienced heavy rainfall, massive flooding, and multiple landslides during this monsoon season.
10th July 2025
Shillong Gets Its First Mall: Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman Inaugurates Rs 100 Cr Polo Commercial Complex
Meghalaya: Rooftop solar panels and rainwater harvesting systems further underline the eco-conscious vision of the project.
10th July 2025