Stricter set of norms required to stop the plundering of the bountiful of natural resources – Meghalaya High Court orders State government

The Division Bench of the Meghalaya High Court, comprising Chief Justice Sanjib Banerjee and Justice W. Diengdoh in the case of Tennydard M. Marak & ors Vs State of Meghalaya has instructed the State Government that Aastricter set of norms needs to be prepared, both for checking and control to stop the plundering of the bountiful of natural resources.

Reasoning and Decision of the Court

The Court showed its anguishment over the little efforts on the part of the State government to check the menace of overloading of goods vehicles that the petitioner perceives to be rampant across the State.

The Court was also vexed as across the State illegal coal mining continues unabated despite the State’s assurance to adhere to subsisting court and tribunal orders and representations to the contrary.

The Court also observed that here are boulders which are transported out of the State and riverbed mining for sand. No doubt, locals satrap with political connections control such businesses and it suits the State government to not take any measures in such regard.

Considering the importance of matter, the Court ordered the Transport Secretary for a stricter set of norms needs to be prepared, both for checking and control, if only to stop the plundering of the bountiful of natural resources available and maintain the integrity of the roads, particularly since the roads are exposed to some of the heaviest rain anywhere in the world.

The Court listed the matter on 31 March 2023 for next hearing and directed the Transport Secretary to report on the steps taken in this regards.

Case Details

Case:- C PIL No.1/2022 with MC (PIL) No.1/2022

Petitioner:-  Tennydard M. Marak & Anr.

Respondent:- State of Meghalaya & ors

Counsel for the Petitioner – Mr. P.T. Sangma

Counsel for the Respondent – Mr. S. Sahay, GA

Judge: Chief Justice Sanjib Banerjee and Justice W. Diengdoh