'Shut The Stable Door After Horse Has Bolted': Meghalaya High Court Expresses Dissatisfaction At DGP's Affidavit In Illegal Coal Mining Case

The Meghalaya High Court has expressed dissatisfaction at the affidavit filed by the Director-General of Police (DGP) for their apparent inaction and failure to check illegal coal mining operations and transportation in the State.

Expressing dissatisfaction with the lack of action taken regarding the numerous instances of flagrant breach of subsisting orders highlighted in Justice Katakey's report who was appointed by the Court to assist in the matter.

"Neither the Chief Secretary nor the Director-General of Police has dealt with such aspect of the matter. Indeed, the affidavit filed by the DGP is more of what has been done after the horse has bolted. What the Court required was for the horse to be kept safe and to close the stable door. It does not appear that either the administration or the police has made any endeavour in such regard as the stable doors have been left wide open with both the administration and the police looking the other way," the Court remarked.

The court emphasized that the purpose of its earlier order, dated May 15, 2023, was to ensure the safety of the "horse" and to close the stable doors, metaphorically representing the need to prevent further violations.

"In the meantime, the State should also ensure that the previous coal is disposed of as per the original schedule as set by Justice Katakey" the court said while adding "Justice Katakey will keep on monitoring the situation and keep up the good work. A further ad hoc remuneration of Rs 5 lakh be immediately released to Justice Katakey".

The matter has now been posted for July 3rd 2023

Case Title: In Re: (Suo motu): Illegal Mining of coal in the State of Meghalaya

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