×
ADVERTISEMENT
ADVERTISEMENT
ADVERTISEMENT

Illegal mining: HC notice to State, Centre

Last Updated 18 December 2009, 17:02 IST

 
In a Public Interest Litigation, H S Doreswamy, well-known Gandhian and freedom fighter, sought the probe into illegal mining, illegal transportation of mined material and into the episode of tampering with of the inter-state boundary lines.

Describing the situation in the State as ‘serious’, the petitioner contended that the mining lobby had taken over the reins of the State and the Constitution mechanism had completely failed.

Counsel for the petitioner, Dr Ravi Varma Kumar, in his submission, said that the State had entrusted the investigation into the illegal mining in Bellary, Chitradurga and Tumkur to Lokyukata under Section 7 (2) A and a report recommending action was submitted to the Government.

“But so far, no action has been taken against the culprits despite the report mentioning that several politicians and bureaucrats are involved in this and borders were tampered with for mining,” he argued.

He also cited a newspaper clipping on chief minister’s statement on mining report, saying the probe is not required and said that Yedyurappa is sleeping over the matter, when the State is in turmoil.

Pointing out that the Union government has ordered a CBI probe into illegal mining activities, he sought directions from the High Court to investigate into illegal mining in forest areas, shifting of inter-state boundaries and withdrawal of criminal cases against those who destroyed the 150 year-old Sugalamma temple at Bellary. The division bench headed by Justice V Gopala Gowda has ordered notice to the Union and the State government.

ADVERTISEMENT
(Published 18 December 2009, 17:02 IST)

Follow us on

ADVERTISEMENT
ADVERTISEMENT