The Meghalaya High Court has directed the Judicial Enquiry Commission to expand its investigation into illegal coal mining activities in East Jaintia Hills district, calling for a deeper examination of the demand driving the trade and accountability for any senior officials or organized groups involved in facilitating the operations.
A division bench comprising Justice H. S. Thangkhiew and Justice W. Diengdoh observed that illegal mining continues primarily because of strong market demand and substantial profit margins. The Court remarked that without buyers, such unlawful activities would not persist, and stressed the need to identify the exact source of demand sustaining the trade.
The bench also expressed concern over the functioning of the Special Investigation Team (SIT), noting that it appeared weak as it is currently headed by a relatively junior officer. In response, the Advocate General assured the Court that a senior officer would be appointed to lead the SIT henceforth.
During the hearing, it was informed that 77 FIRs have been registered so far in connection with illegal coal mining. Fourteen individuals have been arrested, and approximately 16,000 metric tonnes of coal, along with explosives, have been seized. Two Officers-in-Charge have been suspended, while the Superintendent of Police of East Jaintia Hills has been transferred.
The Court further ordered a comprehensive probe into the entire coal supply chain, including the possible involvement of district officials, police personnel, transport authorities and even NGOs who may have played a role in facilitating the illegal trade. The High Court has also summoned both the current and former Superintendents of Police of East Jaintia Hills to appear before it at the next hearing, scheduled for March 5, 2026.
