The Jharkhand High Court has postponed the hearing of a Public Interest Litigation (PIL) seeking legal action against alleged illegal mining at Panem Coal Mines in Pakur district to 6th November. The petition, filed by Ram Subhag Singh, accuses the company of mining coal beyond the permitted limit and failing to rehabilitate affected villagers. A division bench comprising Chief Justice Tarlok Singh Chauhan and Justice Sujit Narayan Prasad heard the matter on Friday and directed the State Government to file its reply before the next date of hearing.
Also Read: Jharkhand Moved to Recover Dues from Panem Coal for Illegal Mining
Court Criticised State for Unpreparedness
During the proceedings, the court expressed displeasure over the State’s lack of preparation when the Government counsel said he did not have a copy of the reply already submitted by the State. The bench remarked sharply that it was surprising for the Government’s own lawyer to be unaware of a response filed by his side. Taking a serious view of the lapse, the court warned the advocate to appear fully prepared on the next date of hearing.
Also Read: Jharkhand High Court Warned Government of Strict Oder in Panem Coal Illegal Mining Case
Petitioner Alleged Large Scale Violations
According to the petition, Panem Coal Mines Ltd, a joint venture between Punjab State Power Corporation and EMTA Coal Mines, extracted Coal far beyond its approved quota in Pachwara North and Central blocks. The plea alleges that despite the Government admitting in earlier affidavits that irregularities had occurred, no punitive action was taken against the company even after its exit from the site. A 2017 affidavit filed by the then Mining Secretary Sunil Kumar Barnwal had also acknowledged the violations and the company’s failure to provide compensation or rehabilitation to displaced families.
Also Read: Jharkhand High Court Reviewed PIL Against Illegal Mining in Panem Coal Mines
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