Meghalaya High Court seeks origin of coal passing through state
First Published: 20th July, 2022 16:07 IST
The Court has now sought a preliminary report from the state indicating, with proof, how the coal entered the state as well as the origin of the mineral.
In what is sure to set the cat amongst the pigeons, the Meghalaya High Court, through an order in the case of export of coal through the Gasuapara port in South Garo Hills, has sought answers from the state about the origin of the coal.
A PIL had earlier been filed by a local exporter from Gasuapara, Champer M Sangma in the High Court questioning the validity of the e-way bills while also questioning the origin of the coal in Gasuapara.
A stop on the use of e-way bills for export was also adopted with immediate effect by the High Court.
In its order on the same PIL, the Chief Justice of Meghalaya High Court, Sanjib Banerjee, and judge, W Diengdoh, expressed their concerns over the issue.
The Court observed, “This is a matter of some concern that has been brought to the notice of this Court by way of the present public interest litigation. According to the petitioner, documents may have been manufactured, inter alia, by the State, for transportation of coal allegedly brought from Assam and originally meant for export to Bangladesh”.
The Court has now sought a preliminary report from the state indicating, with proof, how the coal entered the state as well as the origin of the mineral. The matter is set for hearing 9 days from today, that is on July 29.
The state of Meghalaya had earlier, late last year as well as in the month of March – April this year, allowed the movement of coal into Bangladesh through the Gasuapara port in South Garo Hills to one Jai Maa Enterprise, a company apparently belonging to one Balwan Bhama.
The coal, as per the company, was being brought from Dudhnoi in Assam before moving through Dainadubi in North Garo Hills and then dumped at Gasuapara port.
Bhama’s firm had been allowed to use e-way bills to export coal into Bangladesh and was the only firm allowed to carry out this form of coal transport.
COMMENTS
TOPMOST STORY NOW
Live Tipra Motha Turns Up the Heat: Demands Centre Act on TIPRASA Accord, Village Elections, and 125th Amendment
14th November 2024
Live NEHU Crisis: Union Education Ministry Sets Up 2-Member Inquiry Committee
14th November 2024
Live Meghalaya-Based Militant Outfit HNLC Banned for 5 Years by Centre over Security Threats
14th November 2024
Live Meghalaya Government Awaits Defence Ministry Nod on Harijan Colony Relocation
14th November 2024
WE RECOMMEND
NEHU Crisis: Union Education Ministry Sets Up 2-Member Inquiry Committee
Committee to submit report in 15 days.
14th November 2024Meghalaya-Based Militant Outfit HNLC Banned for 5 Years by Centre over Security Threats
The notification also highlighted that, between November 2019 and June 2024, law enforcement agencies have arrested 73 HNLC cadres
14th November 2024Meghalaya Government Awaits Defence Ministry Nod on Harijan Colony Relocation
Despite the delay, Dhar confirmed that the state government is preparing to make a final decision on the relocation by the end of this year.
14th November 2024
Seaplane in Tura Soon? Here is What CM Conrad Sangma Said
A new reservoir project in Tura could serve dual purposes addressing water scarcity while offering a possible site for seaplane operations.
14th November 2024
NEHU Crisis: Professors Reject VC Shukla’s Offer of Pro-VC Posts at Tura and Shillong Campuses
Prof SM Shungoh said she rejected the offer and all teachers support the students and their demands
14th November 2024