Overview
- Chief Justice Sanjeev Sachdeva and Justice Vinay Saraf on Thursday directed the Registry to register the case and list it for April 6.
- The action stems from Justice Vishal Mishra’s September 1, 2025 order recusing himself after noting that Pathak tried to call him about the pending matter.
- The writ by Katni resident Ashutosh Dixit alleges illegal and excessive iron ore mining by firms linked to Pathak in the Sihora area, including on forest land.
- The state mining department had earlier imposed about Rs 443 crore in penalties on Anand Mining Corporation, Nirmala Minerals and Pacific Export for alleged illegal extraction.
- The bench rejected Pathak’s objections and said the court would act as the complainant in the contempt case, signaling a firm stand on safeguarding judicial independence.