Madras High Court Issues Notice to Tamil Nadu Government Over Controversial Mining Punishment Order
मुख्य बातें
- •The Madras High Court (Madurai Bench) issued notice to the Tamil Nadu government on June 1, 2026, over a PIL challenging a 2026 G.O. on illegal mining penalties.
- •The PIL was filed by the Abdul Kalam Science Farmers People Security Association, represented by president G. Abel Moorthy.
- •The G.O. introduced a minimal fine of ₹25 per metric tonne for illegal mining, far below existing penalties of up to ₹5 lakh per hectare or five years imprisonment.
- •The petition alleges the G.O. enables regularization of illegal mining and allows violators to pay fines in installments, undermining deterrence and legal provisions.
The Madurai Bench of the Madras High Court on Monday issued a notice to the Tamil Nadu government in response to a Public Interest Litigation (PIL) that challenges a recent Government Order (G.O.) concerning penalties for illegal mining and quarrying activities. The bench, comprising Justices N. Sathish Kumar and M. Jothiraman, has directed the state administration to respond to the petition filed by the Abdul Kalam Science Farmers People Security Association, Madurai. The next hearing has been scheduled for June 24.
The PIL, filed through the association’s president G. Abel Moorthy, alleges that the G.O., issued in January 2026, was brought into effect following representations made by stone quarry, crusher, and lorry owners’ associations. The petitioner argues that the G.O. undermines existing legal provisions by introducing minimal penalties instead of enforcing stricter punishments for illegal mining. Two types of illegal activities have been highlighted: mining beyond permitted limits in leasehold areas and mining in non-leasehold areas.
