‘Illegal’ limestone mining
By Our Reporter
SHILLONG, July 24: The High Court of Meghalaya has said that the report of the government, along with the petitioner’s rejoinder and the proposed surrejoinder by Amrit Cement Industries Limited, in connection with the PIL alleging illegal limestone mining in Jaintia Hills, may be placed before the Chief Secretary.
The division bench, comprising Chief Justice IP Mukerji and Justice W. Diengdoh, observed that the government’s report had been prepared and signed by senior officials, including from the Forest department.
“We direct this PIL to be listed for hearing on 1st August, 2025. To enable us to decide the matter, the said report of the government along with the rejoinder affidavit of the petitioner and the surrejoinder may be placed before the Chief Secretary of the State. The Chief Secretary will accordingly instruct counsel appearing for the State to make submissions before this Court on which basis we shall pass necessary orders,” the High Court said.
It may be mentioned that the PIL had alleged illegal mining by Amrit Cement, which was denied in the government’s report submitted earlier.
The petitioner has since filed a rejoinder reiterating the allegations, while the court has allowed Amrit Cement to file its surrejoinder by August 28.
