SC directs government officials to stop illegal Sand Mining across Rajasthan

On Wednesday, Supreme Court directed the Rajasthan government, the District Magistrate (DM), The superintendents of police (SP)  of every district of the state to immediately stop the illegal Sand mining.

The led by CJI SA Bobde, Justices B.R. Gavai & Surya Kant, directed the Central Empowering Committee (CEC) to conduct a probe towards illegal mining activities in the State of Rajasthan and submit a report along with recommendations within 6 weeks.

A poignant Petitioner-in-person stated that even though a ban had been imposed by the Courts on illegal sand mining in the State, it was evident that the illegalities were still prevalent.

Sand Mining had been earlier banned vide a 2017 Judgment of the Supreme Court.

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“The Governments never stopped illegal mining in our state. BJP & Congress, both have been playing 20-20 cricket with people of the state. It is not a hidden fact that Bhu-mafias are very much prevalent in the state” urged the Petitioner.

The Supreme Court also directed the CEC to suggest measures to stop illegal mining.

Last year, the Supreme Court had directed that even though the banning shall continue on sand mining, the parties that had already been granted LOI’s could apply for environmental clearances.

Section 158A in The Income- Tax Act, 1995

The court was hearing a contempt plea filled by Lawyer Vikas Singh in 9th May 2019, on the behalf of NGO Dastak seeking allowance of leases for sand mining to continue in Rajasthan.