Jharkhand High Court
Binay Kumar Singh vs The State Of Jharkhand Represented ... on 13 October, 2025
Author: Sujit Narayan Prasad
Bench: Sujit Narayan Prasad
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IN THE HIGH COURT OF JHARKHAND AT RANCHI
W.P.(C) No.925 of 2025
Binay Kumar Singh, aged about 54 years, son of Devnanadan Singh,
resident of Kharik, Tapej, P.O and P.S-Chatra, District-Chatra, Jharkhand
.........Petitioner
Versus
1. The State of Jharkhand represented through Principal Secretary,
Department of Mines and Geology, Government of Jharkhand, P.O.
Doranda, P.S. Doranda, District- Ranchi, Jharkhand.
2. The Deputy Commissioner, Chatra having its Office at Chatra, P.O.
Chatra, P.S. Chatra, District Chatra, Jharkhand.
3. Additional Collector, Chatra having its Office at Chatra, P.O. Chatra,
P.S. Chatra, District Chatra, Jharkhand.
4. The District Mining Officer, Chatra, having its Office at Chatra, P.O.
Chatra, P.S. Chatra, District Chatra, Jharkhand
................. Respondents
With
W.P.(C) No.1059 of 2025
M/s APN Developers and Stone Pvt. Ltd. having it office at Mauza-
Chataniyan, P.O. and P.S Sadar, District- Chatra, Jharkhand represented
through its Director Amit Kumar Sahay aged about 44 years, son of Srikant
Kumar Sahay, resident of Village- Awwal Muhalla, P.O. and P.S. Chatra,
District- Chatra, Jharkhand. .........Petitioner
Versus
1. The State of Jharkhand represented through Principal Secretary,
Department of Mines and Geology, Government of Jharkhand, P.O.
Doranda, P.S. Doranda, District- Ranchi, Jharkhand.
2. The Deputy Commissioner, Chatra having its Office at Chatra, P.O.
Chatra, P.S. Chatra, District Chatra, Jharkhand.
3. Additional Collector, Chatra having its Office at Chatra, P.O. Chatra,
P.S. Chatra, District Chatra, Jharkhand.
4. The District Mining Officer, Chatra, having its Office at Chatra, P.O.
Chatra, P.S. Chatra, District Chatra, Jharkhand
................... Respondents
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CORAM: HON'BLE MR. JUSTICE SUJIT NARAYAN PRASAD
HON'BLE MR. JUSTICE ARUN KUMAR RAI
-------
For the Petitioner :Mr. Indrajit Sinha, Advocate
Mr. Ankit Vishal, Advocate
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For the Respondents :Mr. Shray Mishra, AC to AG
------
C.A.V on 16.09.2025 Pronounced on 13/10/2025
Per Sujit Narayan Prasad, J.
1. Both the writ petitions are having the common issues as has been
submitted by the learned counsel appearing for the petitioners and, as
such, being taken up together and are being disposed of by this common
judgment.
2. The present writ petition has been filed under Article 226 of the
Constitution of India for the following reliefs:
"For issuance of an appropriate Writ(s)/Order (s) /Direction(s),
particularly a writ of Certiorari for quashing/setting aside the letter
No. 130 dated 25.01.2025 (Annexure-15) issued by the District
Mining Officer, Chatra whereby and where under the petitioner has
been directed to stop the mining activities over the leasehold area in
terms of Rule 34(A)(2) of the Jharkhand Minor Mineral Concessions
Rules, 2004 and has further issued show cause upon the petitioner to
submit its reply within 30 days under Rule 22(5) and 27(2) of the
Jharkhand Minor Mineral Concessions Rules, 2004 for termination of
the mining lease deed of petitioner situated at situated in Mouza-
Mishraul, Khata No.26, 12, 33 and 01, Plot No.214 (P), 245, 243,
250(P).;"
3. The brief facts of the case as per the pleadings made in the writ
petition needs to refer herein which reads as under:
(i) Mining Lease dated 14.11.2015 was executed in favour of M/s
Maa Suruchi Stone Works for the lease hold land pertaining to
Mauza Mishraul, Thana Sadar, Khata No. 12, Khesra No. 237,
total area 1.69 acres for the period of 10 years.
(ii) M/s Maa Suruchi Stone Works applied before Jharkhand State
Pollution Control Board for grant of Consent to Establish (CTE)
which was granted to the lessee vide CTE Reference No.
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CTE/HZR/670020 dated 22.04.2016, consequently, consent to
Operate (CTO) was also granted M/s Maa Suruchi Stone Works
by the Jharkhand State Pollution Control Board vide letter
reference no. СТО-7683676/2020/44 dated 25.03.2020 for an
Area of 1.09 Hectares in Khata No. 11, 12 and 16 pertaining to
plot no. 241, 237 and 242 for the period up to 31.03.2024.
(iii) The petitioner applied for the Environmental Clearance before
the concerned authority for the proposed project "Mishraul
Stone Mine" and the State Level Environment Impact
Assessment Authority, Jharkhand vide letter No. 540 dated
09.10.2019 granted Environmental Clearance to the petitioner.
(iv) Thereafter, M/s Maa Suruchi Stone Works had entered into a
Mining Lease dated 19.10.2019 with the State of Jharkhand for
an adjoining plot of land pertaining to Muza Mishraul, Thana
No. 271, Thana Sadar, Khata No. 26, 12, 33, 01, Khesra No.
214(P), 245, 243, 250(P) for a total area of 3.58 acres for the
period of 10 years.
(v) Further, M/s Maa Suruchi Stone Works applied before
Jharkhand State Pollution Control Board for grant of Consent to
Establish (CTE) which was granted to the lessee vide CTE
Reference No. JSPCB/HO/RNC/CTE-6780873/2019/696 dated
25.12.2019 for an area of 3.58 Acres pertaining to Khata No. 01,
12, 26, 33, Plot No. 250(P), 245, 214(P), 243.
(vi) M/s Suruchi Stone Works vide letter dated 03.11.2020
requested the District Mining Officer, Chatra to pass an order
regarding the surrender of mining lease dated 14.11.2015 issued
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in favour of petitioner pertaining to Khata No. 12, Plot No. 237
admeasuring 1.69 Acres.
(vii) The District Mining Officer, Chatra vide letter no. 301 dated
10.03.2022 directed M/s Maa Suruchi Stone Works to deposit
the amount of Rs. 11,61,615/- as additional royalty in terms of
Rule 44 of Jharkhand Minor Mineral Concessions Rules, 2004
for excess mineral to the tune of 29,56,251 cft. Stone excavated
from the Khata No. 12, Plot No. 237, within the period of 15
days and thereupon, the request for surrender of lease deed
would be considered.
(viii) Thereafter, the District Mining Officer, Chatra vide letter no.
485 dated 10.05.2023 directed M/s Maa Suruchi Stone Works to
deposit the amount of Rs. 2,03,59,439/- as additional royalty in
terms of Rule 44 of Jharkhand Minor Mineral Concessions
Rules, 2004 for the excess mining of 54,43,700 cft stone from
the leasehold area pertaining to Khata No. 01, 12, 26, 33, Plot
No. 250(P), 245, 214(P), 243.
(ix) The said demand was raised by the District Mining Officer
without issuing any notice in terms of provision contained in
Rule 44 of JMMCR, 2004, however, amidst the threat of
termination of mining lease granted to M/s Maa Suruchi Stone
Works and under compelling circumstances, M/s Maa Suruchi
Stone Works had to make the aforesaid payment as mentioned
in the demand notice dated 10.05.2023. M/s Maa Suruchi Stone
Works will file separate writ petition for refund of the amount to
the tune of Rs. 2,03,59,439/- paid by the petitioner under
eminent threat and duress to the respondents.
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(x) Thereafter, M/s Maa Suruchi Stone Works deposited the
additional royalty amount and the fine imposed before the
authority concerned.
(xi) Further, M/s Maa Suruchi Stone Works vide letter dated
19.04.2023 submitted the Mine Closure plan for Mishraul Stone
Mine situated in Khata No. 12, Plot No. 237 admeasuring 1.69
Acres.
(xii) The District Mining Officer, Chatra vide letter no. 283 dated
16.03.2024 informed M/s Maa Suruchi Stone Works that in
terms of Rule 26 of the Jharkhand Minor Mineral Concession
Rules, 2004, the Deputy Commissioner, Chatra vide order dated
01.02.2024 has granted approval for surrender of mining lease
dated 14.11.2015 pertaining to Khata No. 12, Plot No. 237
admeasuring 1.69 Acres.
(xiii) Petitioner had applied for a transfer of the mining lease dated
19.10.2019 issued in favour of M/s Maa Suruchi Stone Works
pertaining to Khata No. 26, 12, 33 and 01, Plot No. 214(P), 245,
243 and 250 (P) admeasuring 3.58 Acres. The District Mining
Officer, Chatra vide Letter No. 890 dated 16.08.2024 informed
the petitioner that the Deputy Commissioner, Chatra vide order
dated 12.07.2024 has granted approval for transfer of aforesaid
mining lease in favour of the petitioner.
(xiv) The mining lease dated 25.09.2024 was executed between the
petitioner and State of Jharkhand for the land pertaining to Khata
No. 26, 12, 33 and 01, Plot No. 214(P), 245, 243 and 250 (P)
admeasuring 3.58 Acres.
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(xv) Petitioner applied for transfer of the Environmental Clearance
granted to M/s Maa Suruchi Stone Works. Accordingly, the
State Level Environmental Impact Assessment Authority,
Jharkhand vide letter no. 433 dated 09.12.2024 transferred the
Environmental Clearance in favor of the petitioner.
(xvi) Petitioner has duly paid the royalty amount for the excavated
minerals from the leasehold area. The petitioner has also
submitted monthly reports in the prescribed Form 'K' for the
quantity of minerals produced and dispatched from the leasehold
area.
(xvii) District Mining Officer, Chatra vide letter no. 1341 dated
18.12.2024 informed the petitioner that the physical inspection
of the leasehold area has been scheduled on 23.12.2024 and
further directed the petitioner to produce the relevant documents
i.e. EC, СТЕ, СТО/ Lease Deed at the time of inspection.
(xviii) District Mining Officer and Mines Inspector visited the mining
leasehold area of the petitioner on 23.12.2024. The authorized
representative of the petitioner produced the relevant documents
before the aforesaid authorities and after being satisfied with the
documents, the inspection team left the leasehold area without
reporting any discrepancies/objection to the petitioner.
(xix) Further, the District Mining Officer, Chatra vide letter No. 125
dated 25.01.2025 directed the petitioner to make the payment of
Rs.13,15,165/-in terms of Rule-44 of Jharkhand Minor Mineral
Concessions Rules, 2004 for excess production/dispatch of
2,62,288 cft. Stone from the leasehold area of the petitioner
situated in Mouza- Mishraul, Khata No. 26, 12, 33 and 01, Plot
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No. 214 (P), 245, 243, 250(P) admeasuring area 3.58 Acres,
within the period of 30 days failing which appropriate
proceeding would be initiated for recovery of the amount. The
petitioner intends to challenge the aforesaid letter no. 125 dated
25.01.2025 by filing separate writ petition before this Court.
(xx) The District Mining Officer, Chatra further vide letter no. 126
dated 25.01.2025 has imposed penalty upon the petitioner to the
tune of Rs. 09,41,92,446/- under Rule 54 (6) of the Jharkhand
Minor Mineral Concessions Rules, 2004 for illegal mining of
stones over 49,814 square feet which is outside the leasehold
area of the petitioner and further directed the petitioner to
deposit the said amount within the period of 30 days, failing
which appropriate proceeding would be initiated for recovery of
the amount. The petitioner intends to challenge the said letter
no.126 dated 25.01.2025 by filing separate writ petition before
this Court.
(xxi) The aforesaid demand letter no.125 dated 25.01.2025 issued by
the respondent no.4 is based on the inspection report submitted
the Committee constituted under the Chairmanship of
Additional Collector, Chatra. It would be evident from the letter
no. 125 dated 25.01.2025 that the leasehold area of petitioner
was inspected/ measured on 24.12.2024, 26.12.2024 and
14.01.2025 by the District Mining Officer, Chatra and Mines
Inspector, Chatra. However, the petitioner neither received any
prior notice about the said inspection nor the inspections were
conducted in presence of the authorized representative of the
petitioner. The so-called Inspection report prepared by the
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Committee which has been relied upon the respondent no.4
while issuing the impugned demand letter no. 125 dated
25.01.2025 has never been served upon the petitioner by the
respondent authorities prior to the issuance of the impugned
letter.
(xxii) The District Mining Officer, Chatra vide letter no. 130 dated
25.01.2025 has directed the petitioner to stop the mining
activities over the leasehold area in terms of Rule 34(A)(2) of
the Jharkhand Minor Mineral Concessions Rules, 2004 and has
further issued show cause upon the petitioner to submit its reply
within 30 days under Rule 22(5) and 27(2) of the Jharkhand
Minor Mineral Concessions Rules, 2004 for premature
termination of the mining lease deed of petitioner.
(xxiii) The Circle Officer, Chatra vide letter no. 11 dated 06.01.2025
informed the Additional Collector, Chatra that mining activities
are being carried out over the adjoining plots of land
admeasuring 3.58 Acres which is outside the leasehold area of
the petitioner.
(xxiv) The inspection and measurement of plots of land was conducted
by the Circle Amin, Chatra on 06.01.2025 without giving any
notice upon the petitioner and in absence of the authorized
signatory of the petitioner.
4. The respondents did not serve the copy of the inspection/ measurement
report to the petitioner prior to issuance of the demand letter no. 126
dated 25.01.2025.
5. Being aggrieved, the writ petitioner has approached this Court by
filing the present writ petition for quashing and setting aside the
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impugned show cause notice dated 25.01.2025 contained in letter no.
130 (Annexure-15).
6. The present writ petition has been filed under Article 226 of the
Constitution of India for the following reliefs:
"For issuance of an appropriate Writ(s)/Order (s) /Direction(s),
particularly a writ of Certiorari for quashing/setting aside the
letter No. 128 dated 25.01.2025 (Annexure-8) issued by the
District Mining Officer, Chatra whereby and where under the
petitioner has been directed to stop the mining activities over the
leasehold area in terms of Rule 34(A) (2) of the Jharkhand Minor
Mineral Concessions Rules, 2004 and has further issued show
cause upon the petitioner to submit its reply within 30 days under
Rule 22(5) and 27(2) of the Jharkhand Minor Mineral
Concessions Rules, 2004 for termination of the mining lease deed
of petitioner over an area of 1.72 Acres land situated at Mouza-
Chataniyan, Khata No. 11, Plot No. 39."
7. The brief facts of the case as per the pleadings made in the writ
petition needs to refer herein which reads as under:
(i) The petitioner is a private Limited Company registered under the
Companies Act, 1956 and its Directors/Shareholders are the
citizens of India.
(ii) Petitioner being the prospective applicant for grant of mining
lease, applied for the Environmental Clearance before the
concerned authority for the proposed project "Chatania Stone
Mine" and the State Level Environment Impact Assessment
Authority, Jharkhand vide letter No. 48 dated 15.07.2021 granted
Environmental Clearance to the petitioner.
(iii) The Mining Lease dated 04.09.2021 was executed in favour of
the petitioner for mining of stone boulder for the period of 10
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years i.e. till 02.09.2031 over an area of 1.72 Acres land situated
at Mouza- Chataniyan, Khata No. 11, Plot No. 39.
(iv) The petitioner applied before Jharkhand State Pollution Control
Board for grant of Consent to Establish (CTE) which was granted
to the petitioner vide CTE Reference No.298 dated 05.11.2021
and consequently Consent to Operate (CTO) was also granted to
the petitioner. Further, the Jharkhand State Pollution Control
Board vide letter dated 16.12.2023 granted Consent to Operate
to the lessee for an Area of 1.72 acres with the production limit
of 9302 cum per year for the period up to 30.11.2025.
(v) The petitioner has been carrying out the mining activities in
terms of the lease without any violation of statutory Regulation
/Rules.
(vi) The District Mining Officer, Chatra vide letter no. 492 dated
10.05.2023 directed the petitioner to deposit the amount of Rs.
1,10,56,378/- as additional royalty in terms of Rule 44 of
Jharkhand Minor Mineral Concessions Rules, 2004 for
transportation of 29,56,251 cft. Stone without e-transportation
challan, within the period of 30 days failing which the mining
lease in favour of the petitioner would be terminated. The said
demand was raised by the District Mining Officer without
issuing any notice in terms of provision contained in Rule 44 of
JMMCR, 2004, however, amidst the threat of termination of
mining lease granted to the petitioner and under compelling
circumstances, the petitioner had to make the payment of Rs.
1,10,56,378/- as mentioned in the demand notice dated
10.05.2023. The petitioner reserves its right to file a separate writ
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petition for refund of the amount to the tune of Rs. 1,10,56,378/-
paid by the petitioner under eminent threat and duress to the
respondents.
(vii) The petitioner has duly paid the royalty amount for the excavated
minerals from the leasehold area and the petitioner has never
indulged in illegal mining. The petitioner has also submitted
monthly reports in the prescribed Form 'K' for the quantity of
minerals produced and dispatched from the leasehold area.
(viii) The District Mining Officer, Chatra vide letter no. 1342 dated
18.12.2024 informed the petitioner that the physical inspection
of the leasehold area has been scheduled on 21.12.2024 and
further directed the petitioner to produce the relevant documents
i.e. EC, CTE, CTO/ Lease Deed at the time of inspection.
(ix) The District Mining Officer and Mines Inspector visited the
mining leasehold area of the petitioner on 21.12.2024. The
authorized representative of the petitioner produced the relevant
documents before the aforesaid authorities. It is pertinent to
mention herein that after being satisfied with the documents, the
Inspection team left the leasehold area without reporting any
discrepancies/objection to the petitioner. The petitioner was
under an impression that the respondent authorities are satisfied
with the documents/ records of the petitioner pertaining to the
mining lease.
(x) The District Mining Officer, Chatra vide letter No.122 dated
25.01.2025 directed the petitioner to make the payment of
Rs.25,64,653/-in terms of Rule-44 of Jharkhand Minor Mineral
Concessions Rules, 2004 for excess production/dispatch of
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5,11,478 cft. Stone from the leasehold area of the petitioner
situated in Mouza- Chataniyan, Khata No. 11, Plot No. 39
admeasuring area 1.72 Acres, within the period of 30 days failing
which appropriate proceeding would be initiated for recovery of
the amount.
(xi) The aforesaid demand letter no. 122 dated 25.01.2025 issued by
the respondent no.4 is based on the inspection report submitted
the Committee constituted under the Chairmanship of Additional
Collector, Chatra. It would be evident from the letter no. 122
dated 25.01.2025 that the leasehold area of petitioner was
inspected/ measured on 21.12.2024 and 10.01.2025 by the
District Mining Officer, Chatra and Mines Inspector, Chatra.
However, the petitioner had received prior notice only about
inspection held on 21.12.2024 which was conducted in presence
of petitioner wherein no discrepancies oг objection was raised by
the authorities. So far as inspection conducted on 10.01.2025 is
concerned, it is stated that neither any prior notice was given to
the petitioner by the respondent authorities nor the Inspection
was carried out in presence of the authorized representative of
the petitioner on 10.01.2025.
(xii) The so-called inspection report prepared by the Committee
which has been relied upon the respondent no.4 while issuing the
letter no. 122 dated 25.01.2025 has never been served upon the
petitioner by the respondent authorities. The petitioner intends to
challenge the said letter no.122 dated 25.01.2025 by filing
separate writ petition before this Hon'ble Court.
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(xiii) The District Mining Officer, Chatra vide letter no. 123 dated
25.01.2025 has imposed penalty upon the petitioner to the tune
of Rs. 16,97,93,024/- under Rule 54 (6) of the Jharkhand Minor
Mineral Concessions Rules, 2004 for illegal mining of stones
over 69,366 square feet which is outside the leasehold area of the
petitioner and further directed the petitioner to deposit the said
amount within the period of 30 days, failing which appropriate
proceeding would be initiated for recovery of the amount. The
petitioner intends to challenge the said letter no.123 dated
25.01.2025 by filing separate writ petition before this Hon'ble
Court.
(xiv) The District Mining Officer, Chatra vide letter no. 128 dated
25.01.2025 has directed the petitioner to stop the mining
activities over the leasehold area in terms of Rule 34(A)(2) of the
Jharkhand Minor Mineral Concessions Rules, 2004 and has
further issued show cause upon the petitioner to submit
its reply within 30 days under Rule 22(5) and 27(2) of the
Jharkhand Minor Mineral Concessions Rules, 2004 for
termination of the mining lease deed of petitioner.
(xv) The aforesaid imposition of penalty under rule 54(6) of
Jharkhand Minor Mineral Concession Rules 2004 is based on the
recommendation made by the Committee comprising of
Additional Collector, Chatra; Circle Officer, Chatra; District
Mining Officer, Chatra and Sub-Divisional Officer, Chatra vide
Joint Enquiry Report dated 20.01.2025. The penalty imposed
under Rule 54(6) of Jharkhand Minor Mineral Concession Rules,
2004 is based on the inspection purportedly conducted by Circle
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Amin, Chatra on 06.01.2025, however the inspection/
measurement report was never served upon the petitioner and the
said inspection was conducted by Circle Amin who is not the
competent person to measure the quantity of mineral
mined/excavated by the lessee.
(xvi) The Circle Officer, Chatra vide letter no. 10 dated 06.01.2025
informed the Additional Collector, Chatra that mining activities
are being carried out over the adjoining plots of land
admeasuring 2.70 Acres which is outside the leasehold area
of the petitioner.
(xvii) The inspection and measurement of plots of land was conducted
by the Circle Amin, Chatra on 06.01.2025 without giving any
notice upon the petitioner and in absence of the authorized
signatory of the petitioner.
(xviii) The respondents did not serve the copy of the inspection/
measurement report to the petitioner prior to issuance of the
demand letter no. 123 dated 25.01.2025.
(xix) The petitioner has never been involved in illegal mining of stone
boulders outside the leasehold area and the impugned letter no.
128 dated 25.01.2025 has been issued by the respondent no.4 in
sheer violation of the provisions of the Jharkhand Minor Mineral
Concession Rules, 2004.
(xx) The respondents cannot impose penalty upon the petitioner under
Rule 54(6) of JMMCR, 2004 on the basis of mere surmises and
conjectures without any iota of evidence that the petitioner is
engaged in illegal mining of 684096 cft. stones from the
adjoining plots of land admeasuring 2.70 acres.
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(xxi) The respondents have not produced or deciphered any evidence
to show that the petitioner was involved in illegal mining of
684096 cft. stones from the adjoining plots of land admeasuring
2.70 acres as alleged by the respondents.
(xxii) The Deputy Commissioner can terminate the mining lease of the
lessee under Rule 22 (5) of JMMCR, 2004 if the lessee does not
pay the royalty/ dead rent within the stipulated time mentioned
in the notice issued by the concerned authority. However, in the
instant case the impugned show cause letter dated 25.01.2025
under Rule 22(5) of JMMCR, 2004 is premature and without any
jurisdiction as the time stipulated by the respondent no.4 for
making the payment of additional royalty and penalty amount
has not lapsed and the show cause for termination has not been
issued by the Deputy Commissioner, Chatra (respondent no.2).
8. Being aggrieved the, present writ petition has been filed to
challenge the said impugned order dated 25.01.2025 contained in letter
no.128 (Annexure-8) issued by the District Mining Officer, Chatra.
Submission on behalf of the writ petitioners:
9. The learned counsel appearing for the petitioners has taken the
following grounds in assailing the impugned orders:
(i) The writ petitioner has challenged the impugned show cause notice
dated 25.01.2025 issued under the signature of the District Mining
Officer, Chatra, on the ground lack of jurisdiction and, secondly,
on the ground that the details of the alleged irregularities have not
been pointed out by the District Mining Officer, Chatra, in the
impugned show cause notice.
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(ii) It has been contended that there is no difficulty in approaching the
authority but in absence of any specific irregularity having been
referred in the impugned show cause notice, the petitioners are in
difficult situation to give proper response thereto.
(iii) The issuance of impugned show cause notice both dated
25.01.2025 the entire process of imposition of penalty is void and
non-est in the eyes of law as the impugned letter has been
authorized without any jurisdiction.
(iv) The mining lease area of the lessee can be inspected and measured
only by a competent authority as notified by the State Government
or Central Government in this regard who is having the requisite
expertise and knowledge regarding the Mines and Minerals.
(v) The Jharkhand Minor Mineral Concession Rules, 2004 do not
empower the District Mining Officer to impose any penalty even if
there is a violation of the Rules, 2004.
(vi) The impugned letter dated 25.01.2025 has been issued by the
respondent no.4 with pre-conceived notion that the petitioner is
involved in illegal mining activities and the grant of 30 days' time
to the petitioner vide impugned show cause letter is mere empty
formality.
(vii) The respondent no.4 being the instrumentality of State cannot pre-
judge the guilt/ violation of the petitioner without receiving any
reply of the petitioner is support of its defence.
(viii) It is well settled that where power is required to be exercised by a
certain authority in a certain way, it should be exercised in that
manner or not at all and all other modes of performance
unnecessarily forbidden. It is all the more necessary to observe this
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rule where power is a drastic nature and its exercise in a mode other
than the one provided will be violative of the fundamental
principles of natural justice.
(ix) The impugned letter has been issued by the Respondent No.4
without any jurisdiction as the Deputy Commissioner is the
Competent Authority in terms of Rule 27 (2) of the Jharkhand
Minor Mineral Concession Rules, 2004.
(x) The respondent no.4 has stopped the Mining activities of the
petitioner over the leasehold area in an arbitrary manner on
frivolous and vexatious grounds.
(xi) The impugned letter has been issued by Respondent No.4 in an
arbitrary and unreasonable manner de-hors the provisions of
Jharkhand Minor Mineral Concessions Rules, 2004.
(xii) The issuance of the impugned letter in violation of Jharkhand
Minor Mineral Concessions Rules and is in violation of Article 14,
19 and 21 of the Constitution of India as the heavy financial burden
has been imposed upon the petitioner without due process of law
which might result in closure of mining activities of the petitioner
company.
10.The learned counsel appearing for the petitioners, based upon the
aforesaid ground, has submitted that the impugned order, therefore,
needs interference by this Court.
Submission on behalf of the respondents:
11. Per contra, Mr. Shray Mishra, the learned counsel appearing for
the State of Jharkhand to defend the impugned order has raised the
following grounds:
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(i) It has been contended that the impugned show cause notices are
under challenge issued by the District Mining Officer, Chatra on
two-fold grounds, first, the lack of jurisdiction and second, the
non-availability of the any irregularity in the impugned show
cause notice. But so far as the issue of jurisdiction is concerned
the same has been conferred to the District Mining Officer as per
the provision provided under Rule 34 (A)(2) of the JMMC Rules,
2004 amended in 2017.
(ii) It has been submitted that if the provision of Rule 34
(A)(2) of the JMMC Rules, 2004 amended in 2017 will be taken
into consideration the power has been conferred upon the Deputy
Commissioner/Competent Authority (District/Assistant Mining
Officer) / Deputy Director, (Mine)/ Additional Director (Mine)/
Director (Mine) who has been conferred with the power to
suspend the mining operation and has also got power not to allow
the leaseholder to recommence the mining operation till the
irregularity as has been found, for suspending the lease is not
being rectified.
(iii) The jurisdiction, therefore, lies also with the District
Mining Officer, who has issued the impugned show-cause
notices, in these writ petitions.
(iv) So far as the second ground as has been raised on behalf
of the petitioners are concerned, it is incorrect on the part of the
petitioners to take a ground that there is no reference of
irregularity said to be committed in the impugned show cause
notices, rather each and every aspect of the matter, based upon the
2025:JHHC:31609-DB
Joint Inquiry Report which has been conducted in presence of
representatives of the writ petitioners have been referred in the
show-cause notice accompanied with the Joint Inquiry Report.
But instead of responding to the show-cause, the present writ
petitions have been filed.
12. The learned counsel appearing for the respondent-State of
Jharkhand, based upon the aforesaid grounds, has submitted that the
impugned order, thus, needs no interference and the present writ
petitions are fit to be dismissed.
Response on behalf of the writ petitioners:
13. The learned counsel appearing for the petitioners, in response,
has submitted by agreeing that the jurisdiction lies with the District
Mining Officer and, as such, he has skipped that ground and confined
the ground only with respect to the non-availability of irregularity in
the impugned show cause notices and, hence, the petitioners are finding
it difficult to make proper reply to the show cause notice.
Analysis:
14. We have heard the learned counsel appearing for the parties and
gone through the pleadings made in the writ petitions and the counter-
affidavits filed on behalf of the State of Jharkhand in both the writ
petitions.
15. Although the writ petitioners have taken two grounds initially,
first, pertaining to lack of jurisdiction of District Mining Officer to
suspend the mining operation, but subsequently, on being seriously
objected to that submission/grounds by making reference of Rule 34
2025:JHHC:31609-DB
(A)(2) of the JMMC Rules, 2004 amended in 2017, the learned counsel
for the petitioners has submitted that he is not pressing this ground.
16. Therefore, this Court is of the view that although the ground of
lack of jurisdiction of the District Mining Officer to suspend the mining
operation has been taken but this ground being left out in view of the
conferment of the power to the District Mining Officer as per provision
of Rule 34 (A)(2) of the JMMC Rules, 2004 amended in 2017, in
which, the power to suspend the mining operation as also not to allow
the leaseholder to recommence the mining operation subject to
rectification of the irregularity based upon the mining plan/ mining
scheme.
17. Therefore, the only one issue remain herein as to whether the
factual aspect as regard to irregularity is available in the impugned
show cause notice both dated 25.01.2025 or not.
18. It needs to refer herein that ordinarily no writ lies against a show
cause notice. The reason why ordinarily a writ petition should not be
entertained against mere show cause notice is that at that stage the writ
petition may be held to be premature. A mere show cause notice does
not give rise to any cause of action, because it does not amount to an
adverse order which affects the rights of any party unless the same has
been issued by a person having no jurisdiction to do so.
19.In the case of standard chartered bank versus directorate of
enforcement [2006 (2) TMI 272 - supreme court], it has been held
by the Hon'ble Apex Court that ordinarily, the Court should be
2025:JHHC:31609-DB
reluctant to interfere with the show cause notice unless the notice is
shown to have been issued apparently without any authority of law.
20.The Hon'ble Supreme Court, in the case of Union of India versus
Vicco Laboratories, reported in 2007 (11) TMI 21 - SUPREME
COURT also deprecates interference at the stage of issuance of show
cause notice by the authorities unless it is without jurisdiction or in
abuse of process of law.
21.The Hon'ble Apex Court in the very recent Judgment rendered in the
case of M/S Techno prints vs. Chhattisgarh Textbook Corporation &
Anr. reported in 2025 INSC 236 has categorically held that the Writ
Court should not entertain any petition, seeking to challenge a show
cause notice unless the Court is convinced that the same has been
issued by an authority having no jurisdiction, relevant paragraph is
being quoted which reads asunder:
"16. It is true that ordinarily, a Writ Court should not entertain any
petition, seeking to challenge a show cause notice unless the Court
is convinced that the same has been issued by an authority having
no jurisdiction, or the same is tainted with mala fides."
22.The ratio which could be culled out from the aforesaid judgments is
that the power of judicial review, under Article 226 of the Constitution
of India, can be exercised where the challenge to a show-cause notice
is made provided it is patently demonstrated that the same is issued
without jurisdiction .
23.So far as the non-availability of the ground upon which the mining
operation has been suspended, it is admitted fact that a joint inspection
of the mining leasehold area of the petitioner was carried out on
2025:JHHC:31609-DB
24.12.2024, 26.12.2024 and 14.01.2025 [in W.P(C) No.925 of 2025]
and on 21.12.2024 and on 10.01.2025[in W.P(C) No.1059 of 2025] in
presence of the representatives of the writ petitioners as would be
evident from the Joint Inquiry Report appended to the writ petitions as
also in the counter-affidavits filed on behalf of the State of Jharkhand.
24. The District Mining Officer, Chatra, after going through the said
joint inspection report, to which he was also a party, has passed the
impugned orders to stop the mining activities over the lease hold area
in terms of Rule 34 (A)(2) of the JMMC Rules, 2004 amended in 2017
read with the provision of Rule 22(5) and 27(2) thereof.
25. This Court before appreciating the fact as to whether the
irregularity as has been found out in the joint inspection report which
find mentioned in the impugned show cause, needs to refer herein the
provisions of Rule 22(5), 27(2) and Rule 34 (A)(2) of the JMMC Rules,
2004 amended in 2017 which is being extracted as under for ready
reference:
Rule 22(5)- यदि पट्टाधारी दियम 29 के तहत लगाि/स्वादमस्व का
भुगताि समय पर िहीीं करे अथवा इि दियम ीं अथवा प्रपत्र ई के उल्लेखित
दकन्ीीं शत ीं का उल्लींघि करता है त सक्षम अदधकारी इस सूचिा क पािे
के 30 दिि ीं के भीतर पट्टाधारी क लगाि/स्वादमस्व के भुगताि कर िे िे का
ि दिस िे गा तादक इि शतों का उल्लींघि िहीीं ह , और यदि लगाि/स्वादमस्व
का भुगताि िहीीं ह ता है त समाहताा अथवा स्वीकृत करिे वाले
पिादधकारी, इसके दलए पट्टाधारी के दवरूद्ध दकसी कायावाही पर प्रदतकूल
प्रभाव डाले दििा, उसके पट्टा क समाप्त कर सकते हैं तादक उसकी
सुरदक्षत रादश क पूर्ा अथवा आदशक रूप से जब्त कर सकते हैं।
2025:JHHC:31609-DB
Rule 27 (2) - समाहताा सुिवाई का समुदचत अवसर दिए जािे के िाि
ििि पट्टे क समाप्त कर सकते हैं , यदि पट्टे धारी िे ििि पट्टे के शत ीं एवीं
िींधेज ीं का उल्लींघि दकया है ।
Rule34 (A) (2)- यदि पट्टे धारी द्वारा ििि काया अिुम दित ििि
य जिा/ििि की स्कीम/समाश धि के अिुरूप िहीीं दकया जा रहा ह त
उपायुक्त/सक्षम पिादधकारी (दजला/सहायक ििि पिादधकारी)/उप
दििे शक, िाि/अपर दििे शक, िाि/दििे शक, िाि द्वारा ििि काया
दिलखित करिे का आिे श दिगात दकया जाएगा तथा उक्त ििि पट्टा से
पुिः काया प्रारम्भ करिे का ति तक आिे श दिगात िहीीं दकया जाएगा जि
तक दक पट्टे धारी द्वारा अिुम दित ििि य जिा/ििि की
स्कीम/समाश धि के तहत खिदत िहाल िहीीं ह जाती है ।
26. It is evident from the provision of Rule 22(5) of JMMC Rules,
2004 that if the lease holder is not making payment of the rent in
pursuance to the provision of Rule 29 or violating the condition of
Form -E i.e. lease deed , then a notice will be issued to the leaseholder
for the payment of the aforesaid amount within a period of 30 days so
that the terms and conditions of the lease deed may not be violated, and
the rent/royalty if not being paid, then the Collector or the sanctioning
authority, without causing any future stigma, can cancel the lease deed
and the entire security amount either in whole or part is to be forfeited.
27. The provision of Rule 27(2) of JMMC Rules, 2004 provides that
the Collector can terminate the lease deed, after giving adequate
opportunity of hearing, if the terms and conditions of the lease deed has
been violated.
28. Rule 34 (A)(2) of the JMMC Rules, 2004 amended in 2017,
confers power to the Deputy Commissioner/Competent Authority
2025:JHHC:31609-DB
(District/Assistant Mining Officer) / Deputy Director, (Mine)/
Additional Director (Mine)/ Director (Mine), in a case where
leaseholder is carrying out the mining operation contrary to the mining
plan/mining scheme, then in such circumstances, the mining operation
is to be suspended by issuance of an order and the mining operation is
not permitted to be carried out till the mining plan/mining scheme is
not being restored.
29. If all the three provisions will be taken together, the underlying
scope of the aforesaid statutory provisions is that the terms and
conditions of the lease deed mandatorily to be followed without
deviating therefrom. Further, the rent/royalty is also to be strictly paid
otherwise the penal action by suspending the mining operation and
mining operation is not permitted to be carried out till the mining
plan/mining scheme is not being restored.
30. This Court in the context of the aforesaid statutory provisions and
coming back to the impugned show-cause notice has found that the
District Mining Officer, Chatra has issued the impugned show-cause
notice in a situation wherein the reference of the irregularity has been
mentioned based upon the Joint Inquiry Report.
31. The lease hold area of the petitioners was inspected in presence
of the representatives of the writ petitioners having no objection
therein.
32. The question of no reference of the irregularity having been
raised on behalf of the writ petitioners is concerned, we have found
from the Joint Inquiry Report, based upon the measurement report, as
2025:JHHC:31609-DB
available in Annexure-14 [ W.P(C)No.925 of 2025] running from page
no.207 to 215 wherefrom it is evident that the petitioner was found to
carrying out the mining operation beyond the leasehold area, the same
is being reflected, separately of both the writ petitioners, for ready
reference the same are being quoted hereunder as:
[In W.P(C)No.925 of 2025]
झारिींडसरकार
दजला ििि कायाा लय, चतरा
(E-Mail: dmo-chatra @ jharkhandmail. gov.in)
पत्राीं क 126 /ििि चतरा दििाीं क 25/1/25
प्रेषक
दजला ििि पिादधकारी,
चतरा।
सेवा में,
मेससा मााँ सुरूदच स्ट ि ववसा
वतामाि पट्टे धारी श्री दविय कुमार दसींह, दपता श्री िे विन्दि दसींह
ग्राम- िरीक, प ०-तपेज थािा सिर, दजला-चतरा ।
पूवा ििि पट्टेधारी श्री कालीचरर् दसींह,
दपता-स्व0िैजिाथ दसींह, ग्राम स िदिगहा, दजला चतरा।
दवषय : चतरा दजला के थािा सिर, मौजा दमश्रौल, िाता सीं० 26, 12, 33 एवीं 01 प्लॉि सीं०-214 (अींश), 245,
243 एवीं 250 (अींश) रकिा 3.58 एकड क्षेत्र पर दििाीं क 19.10.2019 से िस वषों के दलए स्वीकृत लघु िदिज
पत्थर ििि पट्टा के सींिींध में।
प्रसींग: सींयुक्त जााँ च प्रदतवेिि तत्सींिींधी अपर समाहताा , चतरा ज्ञापाीं क 97/ि० चतरा दििाीं क 20.01.2025
महाशय,
पर क्त दवषयक प्रासींदगक पत्र के आल क में कहिा है दक उपायुक्त, चतरा का कायाा लय आिे श ज्ञापाीं क 1297/
ििि्, चतरा दििाीं क 09.12.2024 के अिुपालि में चतरा दजला के थािा-सींिर, मौजा-दमश्रौल, िाता सीं०- 26, 12,
33 एवीं 01 प्लॉि सीं0-214 (अींश), 245, 243 एवीं 250 (अींश) रकिा 3.58 एकड क्षेत्र पर दििाीं क 19.10.2019 से
िस वषों के दलए स्वीकृत लघु िदिज पत्थर ििि पट्टा क्षेत्र के अपर समाहताा , चतरा की अध्यक्षता में गदित सदमदत
का सींयुक्त जााँ च प्रदतवेिि तत्सींिींधी कायाा लय पत्राीं क 98/ि०, चतरा दििाीं क 20.01.2025 द्वारा कायाा लय क प्राप्त
है । सींयुक्त जााँ च प्रदतवेिि के साथ सलग्न अाँचल अदधकारी, चतरा का प्रदतवेिि पत्राीं क 11 दििाीं क 06.01.2025 के
अिुसार स्वीकृत लीज भूदम के अलावे पट्टा क्षेत्र के िाहर अदतररक्त भूदम कुल रकिा 2.89 ए० क्षेत्र पर ििि काया
दकया गया है , दजसका दववरर्ी दिम्नदलखित है -
क्र०सीं० मौजा/थािा िाता स० प्लॉि रकिा भूदम दकस्म
सीं०
दमश्रौल/271 12 237 1.69 ए० (पूवा में स्वीकृत पत्थर ििि
पट्टा क्षेत्र)
2025:JHHC:31609-DB
2 - 242 0.90 ए० -
3 11 241 0.04 ए० गै०िास, परती पत्थर
4 01 239 0.20 ए० िकास्त रै यती
5 41 272 0.60 ए० गै०िास, परती किीम
कुल रकिा :- 2.89 ए०
अींचलादधकारी, चतरा के प्रदतवेिि के साथ संलगन नक्सा के आल क में अध हस्ताक्षरी द्वारा िाि दिरीक्षक दजला
ििि कायाा लय चतरा द्वारा दििाींक 14.01.2025 क GPS Co-ordinate सींग्रहर् हे तु ििि पट्टा का पुिः िलीय
दिरीक्षर् आपके उपखित प्रदतदिदध म ० वकील की उपखिदत में दकया गया।
GPS Co-ordinate दिम्नवत पाया गयाः -
1. N 24°12′27.6"-E 84°55'50.9" 11. N 24°12′23.7"-E 84°55'57.4"
2 N 24°12′27.4"-E 84°55'52.9" 12. N 24°1226.5-E 84°55′50.6"
3. N 24°12′27.7"-E 84°55'53.3" 13. N 24°1226.5"-E 84°55'50.4"
4 N 24°12′27.9"-E 84°55'54.0" 14.
N 24°1227.3"-E84°55'51.9"
5. . N 24°12′27.9"-E 84°55'55.1" 15.
N 24°12′23.5"-E 84°55'52.1"
6. N 24°12′27.1"-E 84°55'56.5" 16.
7 17. N 24°12′24.5"-E 84°55'50.0"
N 24 1226.6"-E 84°55'57.8"
8. 17. N 24°12′25.8"-E 84°55'50.0"
N 24°12′26.4"-E84°55'58.5"
9. 18. N 24°12′22.4"-E 84°55'56.4"
N 24°12′24.6"-E 84°55'58.3"
10. N 24° 12′23.7"-E 84°55'57.8" 19. N 24°12′23.9"-E 84°55'57.2"
उक्त Co-ordinates के अिुसार पट्टा क्षेत्र के िाहर 49814 Sq. Feet भूदम से लगभग 37,95,022 घिफुि लघु िदिज
पत्थर का दिष्कासि दकया गया है । (मापी प्रदतवेिि दििाीं क 15.01.2025 सींलग्न)
अवैध रूप से दिष्कादसत लघु िदिज पत्थर-37,95.022 Cft के िावत झारिण्ड लघु िदिज समिुिाि दियमावली,
2004 यथा सींश दधत दियमावली के दिराम-54 (6) के तहत का िण्ड रादश रू० 94192446.00 (3795022 Cft x
Rs.12.41/cft x 2) िे य ह ता है ।
अतः उक्त के आल क में आपक दििे श दिया जाता है दक पत्र प्राखप्त के 30 दिि ीं के अन्दर अवैध दिष्कादसत/प्रेदषत
िदिज के िाित िण्ड रादश रू० 94192446.00 (िौ कर ड एकतादलस लाि िािवे हजार चार सौ दियादलस) रू०
का JIMMS Portal के माध्यम से ऑिलाईि भूगताि करें अन्यथा रादश की वसूली हे तु झारिण्ड लघु िदिज
समािुिाि दियमावली, 2004 में दिदहत प्रावधािािुसार अग्रेत्तर कारा वाई की जाएगी।
अिु लग्नकः - यथ क्त।
दवश्वासभाजि,
ह.
दजला ििि पिादधकारी चतरा
ज्ञापाीं क 126/ििि, चतरा दििाीं क 25.1.25
प्रदतदलदप - उपायुक्त, चतरा/अपर समाहताा , चतरा क सूचिाथा प्रेदषत।
ह.
दजला ििि पिादधकारी चतरा
सींयुक्त जााँ च प्रदतवेिि
2025:JHHC:31609-DB
उपायुक्त, चतरा का कायाा लय आिे श ज्ञापाीं क 1297/ििि, चतरा दििाीं क 09.12.2024 के
अिुपालि में दजला ििि पिादधकारी, चतरा एवीं िाि दिरीक्षक, दजला ििि कायाा लय, चतरा द्वारा दििाीं क
24.12.2024, 20.12.2024 एवीं 14.01.2025 क चतरा दजला के चतरा दजलान्तगात मौजा दमश्रौल में मेससा मााँ
सुरूदच स्ट ि वर्क्ा के पक्ष में स्वीकृत लघु िदिज पथर ििि पििा िल का प्रशािीय मापी / ििि पट्टेधारी की
ओर से प्रादधकृत म ० वकील की उपररथदत में की गई। जााँ च प्रदतवेिि दिम्नवत है -
पत्थर ििि पट्टा का िाम - मेससा मी. सुरूदच स्टॉि वर्क्ा
वतामाि पट्टे धारी श्री दविय कुमार दसींह, दपता श्री िे विन्दि दसींह
ग्राम- िरीक, प ०-तपेज थािा सिर, दजला-चतरा ।
पूवा ििि पट्टेधारी श्री कालीचरर् दसींह,
दपता-स्व0िैजिाथ दसींह, ग्राम स िदिगहा, दजला चतरा।
(मेससा मााँ सुरूदच स्ट ि वर्क्ा के िाम से स्वीकृत ििि पट्टा क उपायुक्त, चतरा
के आिे श दििाींक 12.07.24 द्वारा पट्टा श्री दविय कु0 दसींह के पक्ष में हस्तान्तरित
हुआ है )
ििि पट्टा क्षेत्र- मौजा-दमश्रौल, िाता सीं०- 26, 12, 33 एवीं 01 प्लॉि सीं0-214 (अींश), 245, 243 एवीं 250 (अींश)
स्वीकृत ििि क्षेत्र का रकिा : 3.58 एकड़
ििि पट्टा अवदध : दििाीं क 19.10.2019 से िस वषों के दलए
अाँचल अदधकारी, चतरा का िल जााँ च प्रदतवेिि पत्राक 323 दििाींक 31.05.2019
वि प्रमण्डल पिा०, ि०व०प्र० चतरा का जााँ च प्रदतवेिि पत्राीं क 1517 दि० 28.05.2019
पयाा वरर्ीय स्वीकृदत-SEIAA, Jharkhand, Ranchi का ज्ञापाीं क 540 दििाीं क 09.10.2019
CTO- JSPCB, Ranchi का ज्ञापाीं क 208 दििाीं क 16.12.2023 वैधता 31.12.2024 तक मान्य
(स्वीकृत्यािे श, सीमाीं कि प्रदतवेिि, EC, CTE/CTO की िायाप्रदत सींलग्न)
दजला ििि पिादधकारी, चतरा का मापी प्रदतवेिि पत्राीं क 60 दि० 15.01.25-
PART-I
(A) Actual Volume of excavated Mineral (Stone) = 13443132 Cft (Aprx.)
(B) Difference Qty. in Last Measurement = 5443700Cft
(C) Production upto Sep 2024 = 7737144Cft
Difference Quantity = (A) - (B + C)
= 13443132 - (5443700 + 7737144)
= 262288Cft
Additional Royalty Payble 262288 Cft x Rs. 3.74 = Rs. 9,80,957.00/-
PART-II
Area outside Lease
1. Area 2 = 27178 Sq. Feet (Annexure-A)
Avg. Depth = 118 Feet
Over Burden = 35 Feet
Volume of Excavation = 27178 x (118-35) = 2255774 Cft.
2. Area = 322636 Sq. Feet (Annexure-B)
Avg. Depth = 100 Feet
Over Burden = 32 Feet
Volume of Excavation = 22636 x (100-32) = 1539248 Cft.
3. Surrendered Old Lease Area = 74254 Sq.ft (Apx.1.70 Acres)
Total volume of excavation outside lease = 2255774 + 1539248 = 3795022Cft
2025:JHHC:31609-DB
Penalty Imposed @ Rs. 12.41 / c ft = 3795022 x 12.41 x 2 = Rs 9, 41 ,92,446/-
Note:- Rate of Stone Mineral as per Notification Memo No. 1163 dt. 26.05.23 Penalty imposed
as per Rule-54(6) of JMMC Rule 2004 as amended.
Total Amount = Additional Royalty within lease area+ Penalty outside lease area
=Rs.980957.00 + Rs.9,41,92.446 = Rs.9,51,73,403/-
अींचल अदधकारी, चतरा का प्रदतवेिि पत्राीं क 11 दििाीं क 06.01.2024 -
िाता सींख्या-26, 33.12.01 प्लॉि 214 243, 245, 250 रकिा 3.58 ए० भूदम पर माईन्स हे तु लीज स्वीकृत है .
परन्तु स्वीकृत लीज भूदम के अदतररक्त भूदम पर जिि काया दकया जा रहा है , दजसका दववरर्ी दिम्नदलखित है -
क्र०सीं० मौजा/थािा िाता स० प्लॉि रकिा भूदम दकस्म
सीं०
1 दमश्रौल/271 12 237 1.69 ए० (पूवा में स्वीकृत पत्थर ििि
पट्टा क्षेत्र)
2 - 242 0.90 ए० -
3 11 241 0.04 ए० गै०िास, परती पत्थर
4 01 239 0.20 ए० िकास्त रै यती
5 41 272 0.60 ए० गै०िास, परती किीम
कुल रकिा :- 2.89 ए०
अदतररक्त भूदम के कुल रकिा 1.20, ए० भूदम पर ििि काया दकया जा रहा है ।
दिष्कषा :-
i. पत्थर ििि पट्टेधारी द्वारा स्वीकृत ििि पट्टा क्षेत्र से िाहर ििि काया दकया गया है , ज पट्टा सींदवि/अिुम दित
ििि य जिा/पयाा वरर्ीय सहमदत का उल्लींघि है । झारिण्ड लघु िदिज समिुिाि दियमावली, 2004
(यथासींश दधत) के प्रावधािािुसार ििि पििा क शेष अवदध के दलए पररसमाप्त करिे की अिुशींसा की जाती है ।
ii . ििि पट्टा क्षेत्र के अन्तगात अीं तर िदिज की मात्रा 262288 cft पत्थर की मात्रा पर िे य अदतररक्त स्वादिस्व रादश
Rs. 980957.00 के साथ अन्य वैधादिक शुल्क की वसूली हे तु अिुशींसा की जाती है ।
iii. ििि पट्टा क्षेत्र से िाहर दकये गए 3795022 cft. पत्थर की गात्रा पर िे य जुमाा िा रादश Rs. 9,41,92,446 की
वसूली की अिुशींसा की जाती है ।
iv. अींचल अदधकारी, चतरा के प्रदतवेििािुसार 1.201/2 ए० गैरमजरूआ िास, परती पत्थर सरकारी भूदम पर
दििा पूवाा िुमदत ििि दकया जा रहा है , दजससे राजस्व की क्षदत ह रही है ।
अिु लग्नक :-
2025:JHHC:31609-DB
1. दजला ििि पिादधकारी, चतरा का प्रशािीय मापी प्रदतवेिि।
2. अींचल अदधकारी, हीं िरगींज का प्रदतवेिि पत्राीं क 11 दििाीं क 06.01.2025
3 . पेिडर ाइव (दवदडय /फ ि ग्राफ)
(ि ि: सींिींदधत पिादधकारी अपिे-अपिे कायाा लय से सींिींदधत प्रदतवेिि, िस्तावेज, फ ि ग्राफ, दवदडय , िक्शा
इत्यादि क सुरदक्षत रििा सुदिदित करें गे।)
अींचल अदधकारी दजला ििि पिादधकारी, अिुमण्डल पिादधकारी, अपर समाहताा
चतरा। चतरा। चतरा। चतरा।
33. Likewise, we have found from the Joint Inquiry Report, based upon
the measurement report, as available in Annexure-7 [
W.P(C)No.1059 of 2025] running from page no.110 to 119
wherefrom it is evident that the petitioner was found to carrying out
the mining operation beyond the leasehold area, the same is being
quoted hereunder for ready reference:
[In W.P(C)No.1059 of 2025]
झारिींड सरकार
िाि एवीं भूतत्व दवभाग
दजला ििि कायाा लय, चतरा
(E-Mail: dmo-chatra @ jharkhandmail. gov.in)
पत्राीं क 123 /ििि चतरा दििाीं क 25/1/25
प्रेषक
दजला ििि पिादधकारी,
चतरा।
सेवा में,
मेससा APN Developers and Stone Pvt ltd.
दििे शक श्री अदमत कुमार सहाय, दपता श्री श्रीकान्त कुमार सहाय,
ग्राम अव्वल मुहल्ला,
प ०-चतरा, थािा-सिर, दजला-चतरा।
दवषय : चतरा दजला के थािा सिर, मौजा चिदियााँ ,, िाता सीं० 11 प्लॉि सीं०-39 रकिा 1.72 एकड क्षेत्र
पर स्वीकृत लघु िदिज पत्थर ििि पट्टा के सींिींध में।
प्रसींग: सींयुक्त जााँ च प्रदतवेिि तत्सींिींधी अपर समाहताा , चतरा ज्ञापाीं क 99/ि० चतरा दििाीं क
20.01.2025
महाशय,
2025:JHHC:31609-DB
पर क्त दवषयक प्रासींदगक पत्र के आल क में कहिा है दक उपायुक्त, चतरा का कायाा लय आिे श
ज्ञापाीं क 1297/ ििि्, चतरा दििाीं क 09.12.2024 के अिुपालि में चतरा दजला के थािा-सींिर, मौजा
चिदियााँ ,, िाता सीं० 11 प्लॉि सीं०-39 रकिा 1.72 एकड क्षे त्र पर दििाीं क 03.09.2019 से स्वीकृत लघु
िदिज पत्थर ििि पट्टा क्षेत्र के अपर समाहताा , चतरा की अध्यक्षता में गदित सदमदत का सींयुक्त जााँ च
प्रदतवेिि तत्सींिींधी कायाालय पत्राीं क 99/ि०, चतरा दििाीं क 20.01.2025 द्वारा कायाा लय क प्राप्त है।
सींयुक्त जााँ च प्रदतवेिि के साथ सलग्न अाँचल अदधकारी, चतरा का प्रदतवेिि पत्राीं क 10 दििाीं क 06.01.2025
के अिुसार स्वीकृत लीज भूदम के अलावे पट्टा क्षेत्र के िाहर अदतररक्त भूदम कुल रकिा 2.70 ए० क्षेत्र पर
ििि काया दकया गया है , दजसका दववरर्ी दिम्नदलखित है -
क्र०सीं० मौजा/थािा िाता स० प्लॉि रकिा भूदम दकस्म
सीं०
1 चिदियााँ /270 13 37 0.90 ए० गै०िास, परती किीम
2 13 38 0.03 ए० गै०िास, परती किीम
3 13 40 0.05 ए० गै०िास, परती किीम
4 13 41 0.04 ए० गै०िास, परती किीम
5 15 43 0.52 ए० गै०िास, परती किीम
6 13 44 0.55 ए० गै०िास, परती किीम
7 13 45 0.02 ए० गै०िास, परती किीम
8 13 46 0.25 ए० गै०िास, परती किीम
9 01 47 0.18 ए० गै०िास, परती किीम
10 13 69 0.16 ए० गै०िास, परती किीम
कुल रकिा :- 2.70 ए०
अींचलादधकारी, चतरा के प्रदतवेिि के साथ संलगन नक्सा के आल क में अध हस्ताक्षरी द्वारा िाि
दिरीक्षक दजला ििि कायाालय चतरा द्वारा दििाींक 10.01.2025 क GPS Co-ordinate सींग्रहर्
हेतु ििि पट्टा का पुिः िलीय दिरीक्षर् आपके उपखित प्रदतदिदध श्री विक्रम वमश्रा की
उपखिदत में दकया गया। GPS Co-ordinate दिम्नवत पाया गयाः -
1. 1235.8 24 "א-E 84°56'08.4" 10. N 24°12′39.8"-E 84°56′04.2"
2. N 24°12'36.6"-E 84°56'09.2" 11. N 24°12′39.3"-E84°56′03.5"
3. N 24°12′37.2"-E 84°56'09.4" 12. N 24°12'38.0"-E84°56'02.6"
4. N 24°12'38.5"-E 84°56'08.3" 13. N 24°12′38.0"-E 84°56'02.5"
5. N 24°12′39.8"-E 84°56′07.1" 14. N 24°12′36.5"-E 84°56'03.6"
2025:JHHC:31609-DB
6. N 24°12′39.6"-E 84°56′06.4" 15. N 24°12′36.7"-E84°56'03.7"
7. N 24°12′40.1"-E 84°56′05.9" 16. N 24°12′35.9"-E 84°56'05.2"
8. N 24°12'38.9"-E 84°56'02.7" 17. N 24°12'35.4"-E 84°56′06.4"
9. N 24°12′39.6"-E 84°56'04.7" 18. N 24°12′35.6"-E 84°56′06.6"
उक्त Co-ordinates के अिुसार पट्टा क्षेत्र के िाहर 69,366 Sq. Feet भूदम से लगभग 6840976
घिफुि लघु िदिज पत्थर का दिष्कासि दकया गया है। (मापी प्रदतवेिि दििाींक 11.01.2025
सींलग्न)
अवैध रूप से दिष्कादसत लघु िदिज पत्थर-6840976 Cft. के िावत झारिण्ड लघु िदिज
समिुिाि दियमावली, 2004 यथा सींश दधत दियमावली के दिराम-54 (6) के तहत का िण्ड रादश
रू० 16,97,93,024 (6840976 Cft. x Rs.12.41/Cft. x 2) िे य ह ता है ।
अतः उक्त के आल क में आपक दििे श दिया जाता है दक पत्र प्राखप्त के 30 दिि ीं के अन्दर अवैध
दिष्कादसत/प्रेदषत िदिज के िाित िण्ड रादश रू० 16,97,93,024 (स लह कर ड सितािवें लाि
दतरािवे हजार चौिीस)) रू० का JIMMS Portal के माध्यम से ऑिलाईि भूगताि करें अन्यथा
रादश की वसूली हेतु झारिण्ड लघु िदिज समािुिाि दियमावली, 2004 में दिदहत प्रावधािािुसार
अग्रेत्तर कारा वाई की जाएगी।
अिुलग्नकः - यथ क्त।
दवश्वासभाजि,
ह.
दजला ििि पिादधकारी चतरा
ज्ञापाींक 123/ििि, चतरा दििाींक 25.1.25
प्रदतदलदप - उपायुक्त, चतरा/अपर समाहताा , चतरा क सूचिाथा प्रेदषत।
ह.
दजला ििि पिादधकारी चतरा
सींयुक्त जााँच प्रदतवेिि
उपायुक्त, चतरा का कायाालय आिे श ज्ञापाींक 1297/यािि, चतरा दििाींक
09.12.2024 के अिुपालि में दजला ििि पिादधकारी, चतरा एवीं िाि दिरीक्षक, दजला ििि
कायाालय, चतरा द्वारा दििाींक 21.12.2024 एवीं 10.01.2025 क चतरा दजला के चतरा
दजलान्तगात मेससा APN Developers and Stone Pvt ltd.दििे शक श्री अदमत कुमार सहाय के पक्ष में
स्वीकृत लघु िदिज पथर ििि पििा िल का भौवतक सत्यापन/ ििि पट्टेधारी की उपररथदत
में की गई। मापी के उपिान्त ििाि का क्षेत्रफल दिम्नवत है -
पत्थर ििि पट्टा का िाम - मेससा APN Developers and Stone Pvt ltd.
दििे शक श्री अदमत कुमार सहाय, दपता श्री श्रीकान्त कुमार सहाय,
ग्राम अव्वल मुहल्ला,
प ०-चतरा, थािा-सिर, दजला-चतरा।
2025:JHHC:31609-DB
ििि पट्टा क्षेत्र- थािा-सिर मौजा- चिदियााँ , िाता सीं०- 11 प्लॉि सीं0-39
स्वीकृत ििि क्षेत्र का रकिा : 1.72 एकड़
ििि पट्टा अवदध : दििाीं क 03.09.2021 से िस वषों के दलए
अाँचल अदधकारी, चतरा का िल जााँ च प्रदतवेिि - पत्राीं क 651 दििाीं क 16.07.2020
वि प्रमण्डल पिा०, ि०व०प्र० चतरा का जााँ च प्रदतवेिि - पत्राीं क 1310 दि० 16.06.2020
पयाा वरर्ीय स्वीकृदत-SEIAA, Jharkhand, Ranchi का ज्ञापाीं क 48 दििाीं क 15.07.21
CTO- JSPCB, Ranchi का ज्ञापाीं क 207 दििाीं क 16.12.2023 वैधता - 30.11.25 तक मान्य
(स्वीकृत्यािे श, सीमाीं कि प्रदतवेिि, EC, CTE/CTO की िायाप्रदत सींलग्न)
दजला ििि पिादधकारी, चतरा का मापी प्रदतवेिि पत्राीं क 50 दि० 11.01.25-
PART-I
(A) Actual Volume of excavated Mineral (Stone) in Lease Area = 45087292 Cft (Aprx.)
(B) ) Production as per Return upto Nov. 2024 = 10,41,000 Cft
(C) Difference Qty. in Last Measurement = (+) 2956251 Cft
Difference Qty. in Production till Nov. 2024 = (A) - (B + C)
= 4508729 - (1041000 + 2956251)
= 511478 Cft
Additional Payble Royalty @ Rs. 3.74 /Cft. - 19,12,928.00 only.
PART-II
Total Volume of excavation outside lease area = 6840976
Penalty imposed @ Rs. 12.41/cft=6840976 x 12.41 x 2 = Rs. 16,97,93,024/-
Note: Rate of Stone Mineral as per Notification Memo No. 1163 dt. 26.05.23 Penalty imposed as per Rule-
54(6) of JMMC Rule 2004 as amended.
Total Amount = Additional Royalty within lease area + Penalty outside lease area
= Rs. 1912928.00 + Rs. 169793024 = Rs. 171705952.00
अींचल अदधकारी, चतरा का प्रदतवेिि पत्राीं क 10 दििाीं क 06.01.2024 -
िाता सींख्या-11 प्लॉि 39 रकिा 1.72 ए० भूदम पर माईन्स हे तु लीज स्वीकृत है . परन्तु स्वीकृत लीज भूदम के
अदतररक्त भूदम पर जिि काया दकया जा रहा है , दजसका दववरर्ी दिम्नदलखित है -
क्र०सीं० मौजा/थािा िाता स० प्लॉि रकिा भूदम दकस्म
सीं०
1 चिदियााँ /270 13 37 0.90 ए० गै०िास, परती किीम
2 13 38 0.03 ए० गै०िास, परती किीम
3 13 40 0.05 ए० गै०िास, परती किीम
4 13 41 0.04 ए० गै०िास, परती किीम
5 13 43 0.52 ए० गै०िास, परती किीम
2025:JHHC:31609-DB
6 13 44 0.55 ए० गै०िास, परती किीम
7 13 45 0.02 ए० गै०िास, परती किीम
8 13 46 0.25 ए० गै०िास, परती किीम
9 01 47 0.18 ए० बकास्त िै यती
10 13 69 0.16 ए० गै०िास, परती किीम
कुल रकिा :- 2.70 ए०
अदतररक्त भूदम के कुल रकिा 2.70, ए० भूदम पर ििि काया दकया जा रहा है ।
दिष्कषा :-
i. पत्थर ििि पट्टेधारी द्वारा स्वीकृत ििि पट्टा क्षेत्र से िाहर ििि काया दकया गया है . ज पट्टा सींदवि/अिुम दित
ििि य जिा/पयाा वरर्ीय सहमदत का उल्लींघि है । झारिण्ड लघु िदिज समिुिाि दियमावली, 2004
(यथासींश दधत) के प्रावधािािुसार ििि पििा क शेष अवदध के दलए पररसमाप्त करिे की अिुशींसा की जाती है ।
ii . ििि पट्टा क्षेत्र के अन्तगात अींतर िदिज की मात्रा 511478 Cft. पत्थर की मात्रा पर िे य जुमाा िा रादश
Rs. 19,12,928.00 की वसूली हे तु अिुशींसा की जाती है ।
iii. ििि पट्टा क्षेत्र से िाहर दकये गए 6894076 cft पत्थर की गात्रा पर िे य जुमाा िा रादश Rs. 16,97,93,024 की
वसूली की अिुशींसा की जाती है ।
iv. अींचल अदधकारी, चतरा के प्रदतवेििािुसार 2.70 ए० गैरमजरूआ िास, परती किीम सरकारी भूदम पर दििा
पूवाा िुमदत ििि दकया जा रहा है , दजससे राजस्व की क्षदत ह रही है ।
अिु लग्नक :-
3. दजला ििि पिादधकारी, चतरा का प्रशािीय मापी प्रदतवेिि।
4. अींचल अदधकारी, हीं िरगींज का प्रदतवेिि पत्राीं क 10 दििाीं क 06.01.2025
3 . पेिडर ाइव (दवदडय /फ ि ग्राफ)
(ि ि: सींिींदधत पिादधकारी अपिे-अपिे कायाा लय से सींिींदधत प्रदतवेिि, िस्तावेज, फ ि ग्राफ, दवदडय , िक्शा
इत्यादि क सुरदक्षत रििा सुदिदित करें गे।)
अींचल अदधकारी दजला ििि पिादधकारी, अिुमण्डल पिादधकारी, अपर समाहताा
चतरा। चतरा। चतरा। चतरा।
34. It is evident from the said Joint Inquiry Report that the District
Mining Officer, Chatra directed the writ petitioners to make payment
2025:JHHC:31609-DB
of Rs.09,41,92,446/- [in W.P((C) No. 925 of 2025] and Rs.
16,97,93,024/- [in W.P((C) No. 1059 of 2025] otherwise the actions as
per the provision of JMMC Rules, 2004 will be taken.
35. It is further evident from the report of the Circle Officer, Chatra,
vide letter no. 11 dated 06.01.2025(Annexure-16) [in W.P((C) No. 925
of 2025] and vide letter no.10 dated 06.01.2025(Annexure-9) [in
W.P(C) No. 1059 of 2025], the details have been furnished showing
the carrying out the mining operation beyond the leasehold area.
36. In Joint Inquiry Report as available on page no.211 so far as the
writ petitioner in W.P(C) No. 925 of 2025 is concerned comprising of
the conclusion also, the following conclusion has been arrived at:
In W.P(C) No.925 of 2025:
दिष्कषा :-
i. पत्थर ििि पट्टेधारी द्वारा स्वीकृत ििि पट्टा क्षेत्र से िाहर ििि काया दकया गया है. ज पट्टा
सींदवि/अिुम दित ििि य जिा/पयाावरर्ीय सहमदत का उल्लींघि है। झारिण्ड लघु िदिज समिुिाि
दियमावली, 2004 (यथासींश दधत) के प्रावधािािुसार ििि पििा क शेष अवदध के दलए पररसमाप्त
करिे की अिुशींसा की जाती है।
ii . ििि पट्टा क्षेत्र के अन्तगात अींतर िदिज की मात्रा 262288 cft पत्थर की मात्रा पर िे य अदतररक्त
स्वादिस्व रादश Rs. 980957.00 के साथ अन्य वैधादिक शुल्क की वसूली हेतु अिुशींसा की जाती है।
iii. ििि पट्टा क्षेत्र से िाहर दकये गए 3795022 cft पत्थर की मात्रा पर िे य जुमाािा रादश Rs.
9,41,92,446 की वसूली की अिुशींसा की जाती है।
iv. अींचल अदधकारी, चतरा के प्रदतवेििािुसार 1.201/2 ए० गैरमजरूआ िास, परती पत्थर सरकारी
भूदम पर दििा पूवाािुमदत ििि दकया जा रहा है, दजससे राजस्व की क्षदत ह रही है।
37.Further, in Joint Inquiry Report as available on page no.113-114 so far
as the writ petitioner in W.P(C) No. 1059 of 2025 is concerned
comprising of the conclusion also, the following conclusion has been
arrived at:
2025:JHHC:31609-DB
निष्कर्ष :-
i. पत्थर ििि पट्टेधारी द्वारा स्वीकृत ििि पट्टा क्षेत्र से िाहर ििि काया दकया गया है . ज
पट्टा सींदवि/अिु म दित ििि य जिा/पयाा वरर्ीय सहमदत का उल्लींघि है । झारिण्ड लघु
िदिज समिुिाि दियमावली, 2004 (यथासींश दधत) के प्रावधािािुसार ििि पििा क शेष
अवदध के दलए पररसमाप्त करिे की अिुशींसा की जाती है ।
ii . ििि पट्टा क्षेत्र के अन्तगात अींतर िदिज की मात्रा 511478 cft पत्थर की मात्रा पर िे य
जुमाािा रादश Rs. 19,12,928.00 की वसूली हे तु अिुशींसा की जाती है ।
iii. ििि पट्टा क्षेत्र से िाहर दकये गए 6894076 cft पत्थर की मात्रा पर िे य जुमाा िा रादश Rs.
16,97,93,024 की वसूली की अिुशींसा की जाती है ।
iv. अींचल अदधकारी, चतरा के प्रदतवेििािुसार 2.70 ए० गैरमजरूआ िास, परती किीम
सरकारी भूदम पर दििा पूवाा िुमदत ििि दकया जा रहा है , दजससे राजस्व की क्षदत ह रही है ।
38. The show cause notices, impugned in these writ petitions, both are
dated 25.01.2025, finds reference of the tabular chart as has been
referred in the report of the Circle Officer, Chatra as also in the Joint
Inquiry Report.
39. It is further evident that in the impugned show cause notice, the
reference of area of the carrying out mining operation beyond the
leasehold area has also been find mentioned along with the amount of
penalty.
40. Further, it is evident that in the impugned show cause notice specific
reference has been made that violations have been found out based
upon the carrying out mining operation beyond the leasehold area and
thereby the violation of Approved Ming Plan with Approved Mining
Closure Plan, Environmental Clearance, Consent to Establish and
Consent to Operate have been flouted.
41. Hence, the petitioners, in view of the aforesaid irregularity, not found
to be in consonance with the terms and conditions of the lease deed as
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also the approved Mining Plan with Approved Mining Closure Plan,
Environmental Clearance, Consent to Establish and Consent to
Operate, therefore, while exercising the power conferred under Rule 34
(A)(2) of the JMMC Rules, 2004 amended in 2017, the effect of the
lease has been put under suspension as also the petitioners have been
called upon to submit their reply in view of the provision of Rule 22(5)
of the JMMC Rules, 2004.
42. This Court, therefore, is of the view that all the details find mentioned
in the impugned show cause notice. Hence, the argument which has
been advanced that the details pertaining to irregularity of the leasehold
area is not available in the show cause is having no substance.
43. Moreover, the petitioners are having with the Joint Inquiry Report as
also the reference of irregularity said to be committed by the writ
petitioners find mentioned in the show cause notices, hence, the writ
petitioners have to satisfy the authority.
44. The moment question of jurisdiction of the issuing authority of show
cause notice has been not taken as a ground as referred hereinabove, as
such, the petitioners are required to satisfy the authority.
45. This Court, in view of the aforesaid discussions, is of the view that no
positive direction is to be passed in favour of both the writ petitioners,
rather the petitioners are to satisfy the District Mining Officer, Chatra
by filing proper reply.
46. Since the said impugned notices, both are dated 25.01.2025 and, as
such, the petitioners were to file their reply within 30 days of receiving
the notice, the said date has already expired. Hence, this Court is of the
2025:JHHC:31609-DB
view that the petitioners are to file response to the impugned show
cause notice dated 25.01.2025 within 30 days from the date of
pronouncement of judgment.
47. The District Mining Officer, Chatra, is to consider the said reply and
take final decision within a further period of six weeks.
48. The carrying out the further mining operation will depend upon the
final outcome which is to be taken by the District Mining Officer,
Chatra.
49. With the aforesaid observation and direction, these writ petitions are
disposed of.
50. Interim order dated 27.02.2025 passed in W.P(C) No.925 of 2025
and dated 26.03.2025 passed in W.P(C) No.1059 of 2025 stand
vacated.
51. Pending I.As, if any, stands disposed of.
(Sujit Narayan Prasad, J.)
I Agree.
(Arun Kumar Rai, J.)
(Arun Kumar Rai, J.)
Sudhir
Dated: 13th /10/2025
Jharkhand High Court, Ranchi
AFR
Uploaded on 14/10/2025
