Introduction:

In the case Sri Ranjit Chandra Goswami v. The State of Meghalaya & Others [PIL No.1/2025], the Meghalaya High Court, comprising Chief Justice I.P. Mukerji and Justice W. Diengdoh, addressed allegations of illegal limestone mining by Amrit Cement Industries Limited in East Jaintia Hills District. The petitioner alleged that the company, despite obtaining its official mining licence only on January 11, 2023, had been engaged in illegal mining activities both prior to and after the grant of the licence. The company operates a cement manufacturing facility in Meghalaya and allegedly sourced limestone unlawfully for its production. The State Government, after conducting an inquiry, submitted a report denying the allegations, asserting that the limestone used before 2023 was purchased lawfully from private vendors. The Court examined the submissions of both sides and ultimately issued directions to the State Government to maintain vigilant oversight on the company’s mining operations, ensuring strict compliance with the granted licence and transparency for public monitoring.

Arguments of the Petitioner:

The petitioner alleged that Amrit Cement Industries Limited, operating in Mulieh, Umlong village, East Jaintia Hills District, was engaged in illegal limestone mining without proper authorisation for years before obtaining its official mining licence. The petitioner claimed that although the company received its licence only on January 11, 2023, it had been exploiting the region’s limestone reserves even before that date and continued doing so thereafter. It was argued that this unlawful activity not only violated statutory provisions governing mining but also posed environmental risks and caused economic losses to the State by bypassing legal revenue channels. The petitioner expressed doubt over the State Government’s inquiry findings, suggesting that the investigation may have overlooked crucial facts or been influenced by vested interests. According to the petitioner, merely purchasing limestone from private vendors prior to licensing could be a façade for masking illegal mining activities. Furthermore, the petitioner emphasised the importance of holding industrial operators accountable to ensure sustainable resource use and fair competition, claiming that failure to address these alleged violations would embolden other businesses to disregard the law.

Arguments of the Respondents:

The State Government, represented by the Advocate General, strongly refuted the allegations, relying on its inquiry report which found no evidence of illegal mining by Amrit Cement Industries Limited. It was clarified that prior to obtaining its mining licence in January 2023, the company had sourced limestone from legitimate private vendors within Meghalaya, a practice permitted under existing law. The Advocate General further alleged that the petitioner had ulterior motives, possibly acting on behalf of a competing industrialist in the cement or mining sector, with the aim of disrupting the operations of Amrit Cement Industries Limited. The State stressed that there was no factual or legal basis to conclude that the company engaged in any unauthorised extraction before or after obtaining the licence. Supporting the State’s stance, the Senior Advocate representing Amrit Cement Industries Limited submitted that mining activity under the granted licence had not yet commenced but was expected to begin soon. The company assured the Court of its commitment to operate strictly within the bounds of the licence and mining regulations, emphasising that all its pre-licence limestone procurement was legitimate and well-documented.

Court’s Judgment:

After reviewing the State Government’s report, the petitioner’s rejoinder, and submissions from all parties, the Meghalaya High Court acknowledged the absence of conclusive evidence of illegal mining by Amrit Cement Industries Limited. However, recognising the significance of vigilant monitoring in preventing environmental and economic harm, the Court issued strong preventive directions to ensure the licence granted to the company is utilised strictly in compliance with legal provisions. The Court directed the State Government to keep a close watch on the mining operations of Amrit Cement Industries Limited, ensuring no illegal extraction of limestone takes place at any stage. Importantly, the Court mandated that every three months, the Chief Secretary or a duly authorised officer must conduct an inquiry into the company’s mining activities and issue a public communication stating whether the company is operating within the terms of its licence. This communication must be published on the State Government’s website to allow public scrutiny by any interested individual or group concerned with preventing illegal mineral mining in Meghalaya. The Court’s directions strike a balance between protecting the rights of a lawfully licensed company to conduct its operations and safeguarding public and environmental interests by ensuring transparency and accountability. Consequently, the Court disposed of the PIL with these monitoring measures in place, leaving scope for public intervention if future violations are detected.