During the hearing of a case related to illegal mining in Bilaua, the High Court’s Gwalior Bench questioned the functioning of the administration and the Mineral Department. The court questioned In-charge Mineral Officer Pankajdhwaj Mishra about the difference between his salary and his son’s school fees and sought a response from the collector on measures to prevent illegal mining and monitor minerals extracted from mines.
The court was shown drone videos related to the mining area, raising questions about the administration’s claims regarding activities in the area.
During the hearing, the court asked Gwalior Collector Ruchika Chauhan what arrangements were in place on roads to monitor trucks and dumpers leaving the mines. It also sought details on how the quantity of minerals leaving the mines was recorded and why adequate arrangements were not available on site to verify the quantity.
During the hearing, the collector was unable to give clear answers to some questions related to the case. The court directed her to collect complete information before the next hearing and provide precise answers.
The court also questioned the mining lease and the quantity of minerals extracted from it. As an example, the court asked what would happen if a person received a 10-year lease for a mine but extracted the entire quantity of minerals within one year.
The court also directed the collector to watch the drone videos related to the case to assess the actual situation at the site and the difference, if any, between it and the administration’s report.
During the hearing, the court directly questioned In-charge Mineral Officer Pankajdhwaj Mishra and sought information about his son’s school fees. The officer said his son’s annual fee at Scindia School was around ₹9 lakh.
The court then asked about the officer’s salary. He said his monthly salary was around ₹51 thousand. The court questioned the difference between the two amounts and asked how the school fees were being paid.
In response, the mining officer said his wife’s maternal uncle paid for his son’s education. The court also questioned this response and sought information in view of the circumstances of the case.
The court had previously raised questions about the functioning of Gwalior’s Mineral Department. During the hearing, it directed that an honest and capable mineral officer be posted in the district immediately.
Until such an officer is appointed, the court directed the collector to handle the responsibilities of the Mineral Department.
The administration is required to provide clear answers at the next hearing on the monitoring of mining, records of mineral quantities and arrangements to prevent illegal mining.
