Overview
- A division bench led by Chief Justice Harish Tandon directed district police to deploy personnel at mining sites and act immediately on violations.
- Regional Transport Officers must form teams to stop mineral-carrying vehicles and seize loads lacking documents mandated by the Mines and Minerals (Development and Regulation) Act.
- The court described minerals as government assets and said each day of unchecked extraction causes loss to national resources.
- Petitioners reported months of indiscriminate blasting and steady vehicle movement, with the court noting illegal operations have extended from Mayurbhanj into Balasore.
- The state was told to file an affidavit detailing steps taken to curb illegal mining within three weeks, with the matter listed for hearing on March 10.