The Jharkhand Government has informed the High Court that it has started recovery proceedings against Panem Coal Mines Ltd. for alleged illegal mining in Pakur district. The disclosure was made during a hearing on a Public Interest Litigation (PIL) that dates back to 2015, highlighting excess mining in Pachwara North and Central coal blocks.
Also Read: Jharkhand High Court Reviewed PIL Against Illegal Mining in Panem Coal Mines
During today’s hearing, the State submitted that it had accepted the findings of irregularities against Panem and was taking steps to recover dues from the now-defunct joint venture company. The submission came in response to a PIL filed by activist Ramsubhag Singh, who sought accountability for alleged over-extraction beyond approved limits.
Also Read: Jharkhand High Court Warned Government of Strict Oder in Panem Coal Illegal Mining Case
The petitioner, however, objected to the State’s position, saying the court had asked for details of action against erring officials and entities, not merely recovery measures. The High Court bench of Chief Justice Tarlok Singh Chauhan and Justice Sujit Narayan Prasad directed the petitioner to file a detailed reply.
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Long-Pending Case on Illegal Mining
The PIL, filed nearly a decade ago, accused Panem Coal Mines, a joint venture between Punjab State Power Corporation Ltd. (PSPCL) and EMTA Coal of mining beyond its allocated quota. Earlier, in 2017, then Mining Secretary Sunil Kumar Barnwal had filed an affidavit admitting irregularities and stating that Panem had not provided proper rehabilitation to displaced families. Despite the admission, no major penal action was reported until now, leading to criticism from petitioners who alleged Government inaction in protecting local interests.
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Next Hearing on 10th October 2025
The High Court has listed the matter for further hearing on 10th October. The court’s direction to file replies sets the stage for another round of arguments on the scope of State action and accountability in coal mining projects. The outcome is likely to have a bearing on similar cases concerning compliance in Jharkhand’s coal sector.
Also Read: Jharkhand High Court Ordered the State to Refund 113 Crores to BCCL
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