Chandigarh. A two‑judge bench of the Punjab and Haryana High Court has ordered the state to act swiftly against alleged illegal mining discovered at approximately 233 locations across the Pathankot and Gurdaspur districts.
Judgment Calls for Immediate Measures
The opinion was delivered by a bench led by Chief Justice Ashwani Kumar Mishra and Justice Rohit Kapoor, who were hearing multiple petitions alleging extensive mining infractions in the two districts. Their decision referenced a Survey of India report dated 3 July 2026 that listed the 233 suspect sites.
Four‑Week Compliance Window
State officials have been granted a strict four‑week period to examine the report, pinpoint liable parties, and launch appropriate enforcement actions. The court warned that any lapse could result in the investigation being transferred to an independent agency, and officials who ignore the order may be held personally accountable.
A comprehensive report outlining the steps taken must be filed before the next hearing.
Pending Mining Director’s Affidavit
During the hearing, the bench noted that the Punjab Mining Director had not yet submitted the affidavit previously mandated. Consequently, the court directed that the affidavit be filed within 48 hours, with a copy served to the petitioners’ counsel in advance.
The matter is scheduled for further consideration on 16 November 2026, when the court will evaluate the state's compliance and any actions undertaken by the relevant authorities.
