The Supreme Court of India has strongly criticized the Haryana Government for its inaction in stopping illegal mining activities in the Aravalli Hills, specifically in the Nuh District.
A bench comprising Chief Justice of India (CJI) BR Gavai and Justice AG Masih expressed serious concerns over the role of government officials in enabling the mining mafia to continue its operations unchecked.
Read also: Supreme Court Grants Interim Bail to Odisha IAS Officer Manish Agarwal Upon Surrender in Case Linked
In a stinging observation, the CJI remarked:
“It appears that the mafia is strong enough to protect not only its members but also the officers of the state government who have acted in collusion with them.”
This statement highlights how the mining mafia’s influence seems to extend into the state machinery, shielding both its own members and corrupt officials.
The Court was particularly disturbed by an earlier affidavit submitted by the Haryana Chief Secretary, which the CJI termed as “evasive”. The affidavit failed to provide concrete actions against the involved officials. This prompted the Supreme Court to direct the Chief Secretary to file a fresh affidavit by July 16, detailing the steps taken against the erring officials.
Read also: Supreme Court Initiates Suo Motu Contempt Proceedings Over Remarks by Varprad Media Editor-in-Chief Ajay
Senior Advocate K Parameshwar, acting as the amicus curiae in the case, referred to the Central Empowered Committee (CEC) report. He revealed that a 1.5-kilometer-wide unauthorized road was constructed by the mining mafia, in collusion with state officials, cutting through the Aravalli forest. This road was reportedly used to transport illegally mined stones from Nuh to Rajasthan.
The CJI didn’t hold back in his criticism, pointing out that no concrete action had been taken against the involved officers despite ample evidence. He reiterated:
“It appears that the mafia is strong enough to protect not only its members but also the officers of the state government who have acted in collusion with them.”
In a further rebuke, the Court stated:
“We have no hesitation in observing that the Chief Secretary and the Deputy Collector of Nuh have acted with laxity in matters pertaining to ecology and environment.”
Read also: Supreme Court Collegium Recommends Elevation of Three Advocates as Rajasthan High Court
The Court directed the Chief Secretary to initiate action against all the erring officials and submit a detailed affidavit by July 16.
The matter has been scheduled for the next hearing on July 16, where the Court will review the steps taken by the Haryana Government in response to the directives.
Case Details: IA in IN RE : T.N. GODAVARMAN THIRUMULPAD Versus UNION OF INDIA AND ORS.| W.P.(C) No. 202/1995
