Court Acts on Media Reports and Home Minister's Statement; Calls for Court-Monitored Probe by Central Agency or SIT
In a significant judicial intervention, the Karnataka High Court has responded to widespread media reports and statements by the state's Home Minister regarding illegal sand mining activities that allegedly involve influential figures across political parties. The court, through a suo motu writ petition, has taken cognizance of the matter, calling for a comprehensive investigation to be monitored by the judiciary.
The bench comprising Justice D.K. Singh and Justice Tara Vitasta Ganju emphasized the need for a court-monitored investigation conducted by a Central Agency, a Specially Constituted Investigating Agency, or a Special Investigation Team (SIT). This directive comes in light of the Home Minister's admission of helplessness in curbing the illegal activities, which he described as a "big racket" involving influential individuals.
Media reports have highlighted the persistent illegal sand mining from the Krishna River basin, which continues to affect local farmers adversely. The dust from mining operations reportedly settles on crops, causing damage, while the absence of proper monitoring mechanisms has led to multiple deaths due to unchecked vehicular movements related to these activities.
A notable concern raised in the reports was voiced by a woman legislator from Raichur District, who claimed to have received threats from sand mafias after she addressed the issue publicly. Despite bids being called for legal sand extraction, these have not been opened, allegedly due to pressure from powerful entities benefiting from the illegal trade.
The court's action reflects an urgent need for accountability and transparency in addressing the issue, especially given the inability of the state machinery to curb these activities as admitted by the Home Minister. The respondents, represented by Mr. Mohammad Jaffar Shah, Additional Government Advocate, have been directed to file a response within three weeks.
This case has now been registered and is set to be assigned by the Chief Justice to an appropriate bench for further proceedings. The Karnataka High Court's decision to intervene underscores the gravity of illegal sand mining and its socio-economic impact on the region, necessitating stringent legal measures to dismantle the entrenched illegal networks.
Bottom Line:
Illegal sand mining involving influential figures from political parties in Karnataka - Court takes cognizance of media reports and directs a response from the State, emphasizing the need for a court-monitored investigation by a Central Agency, Specially Constituted Investigating Agency, or Special Investigation Team (SIT).
Statutory provision(s): Illegal Sand Mining.
Suo motu v. State of Karnataka, (Karnataka)(DB) : Law Finder Doc id # 2847454
