Karnataka High Court Takes Suo Motu Cognisance of Illegal Sand Mining, Demands Probe
The Karnataka High Court has taken a strong stance against the rampant illegal sand mining activities occurring across the state's rivers. On Thursday, the court initiated suo motu proceedings based on media reports, describing the issue as a "serious issue" that necessitates immediate and thorough investigation.
Court Calls for Court-Monitored Investigation
A division bench comprising Justice D K Singh and Justice Tara Vitasta Ganju emphasized that this matter requires a court-monitored investigation. The court suggested that this probe should be conducted either by a central agency, a specially constituted investigating agency, or a Special Investigation Team (SIT) to ensure impartiality and effectiveness.
The bench expressed deep concern over the state's ability to handle this issue independently. In its order, the court noted, "If the home minister of the state feels helpless in taking action to curb the illegal sand mining by mafias, there cannot be any hope that the said illegal activity of sand mining in the state can be curbed by the state machinery."
Political Connections and Threats to Whistleblowers
The court's action follows statements made by Karnataka Home Minister Dr G Parameshwara in the Assembly, where he revealed that many influential people from across political parties are involved in these illegal activities. This admission highlights the widespread and politically connected nature of the sand mining racket.
Further alarming details emerged from media reports cited by the court:
- Bids have been called for extracting sand, but these bids have not been opened yet, suggesting procedural delays or interference.
- Reports indicate that sand is being mined from the Krishna River basin at night, evading regulatory oversight.
- Farmers have complained about dust settling on their crops, affecting agricultural productivity and health.
- A woman MLA from Raichur district, Karemma G Nayak, has reported threats to her life from the sand mafia after raising concerns about illegal mining in her area.
Court's Directives and Next Steps
In response to these grave concerns, the Karnataka High Court has issued formal notice to the state government, directing it to file a response within three weeks. The court has also instructed the registry to register the suo motu petition and present it before Chief Justice Vibhu Bakhru. The case will then be assigned to an appropriate bench for further hearings.
The court's order specifically mentioned that "many big sharks are involved in this big money-spinning racket who do not want the extraction legalised," underscoring the economic motivations behind these illegal operations and the resistance to formal regulation.
This judicial intervention marks a significant step in addressing environmental degradation, economic corruption, and threats to public safety associated with illegal sand mining in Karnataka. The court's demand for an independent, monitored investigation reflects the urgency and complexity of tackling this entrenched issue.
