The Supreme Court has warned of the personal presence of the Rajasthan Chief Secretary if the State fails to file an affidavit showing substantive action taken on complaints regarding alleged illegal mining activities raised as far back as 2020. The Court expressed serious concern over the apparent inaction of State authorities in the matter.
A Bench of Justice Ahsanuddin Amanullah and Justice R. Mahadevan observed that despite serious discrepancies in mining activities being pointed out to authorities by the petitioner’s sister several years ago, the State had failed to disclose any concrete action taken in the matter. The Court recorded:
“Though serious discrepancies with regard to mining were pointed out by the sister of the petitioner to the authorities concerned way back in the year 2020, in the counter filed on behalf of the respondent-State of Rajasthan, till date, there is no statement with regard to any action whatsoever taken in the matter by the authorities concerned.”
The Bench noted that it was initially inclined to take a strict view in the matter and pass appropriate orders. However, on the State’s request seeking one final opportunity to place action taken on record, the Court deferred the matter till May 11, 2026. Warning of consequences in case of continued inaction, the Court directed:
“If no affidavit is filed showing substantive action taken on the ground, the Chief Secretary to the State of Rajasthan shall be personally present before the Court on the next date of listing along with his/her show-cause to explain, as to why, action be not taken against him/her for turning a blind eye to such a serious matter.”
Appearances
Petitioner- Mr. Namit Saxena, AoR
Respondent- Ms. Aneesha Rastogi, Adv. Mr. Saurabh Rajpal, Adv. Ms. Nidhi Jaswal, AoR
