Orissa High Court Seeks State’s Response on PIL Alleging Illegal Mining
Bhubaneswar: The Orissa High Court has issued a notice to the Odisha government in response to a Public Interest Litigation (PIL) demanding a Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) probe into alleged illegal mining across the state.
The division bench comprising Chief Justice Harish Tandon and Justice M.S. Raman directed the government to file a detailed reply within two weeks, with the matter scheduled for further hearing on February 10, 2026.
The PIL, filed by Shraban Kumar Deb, accuses the state of failing to implement the Supreme Court’s 2017 directives on mining regulation.
It alleges that leaseholders have extracted minerals beyond permissible limits and outside designated areas, causing significant revenue loss to the exchequer.
The petition further claims that violators have not faced adequate punitive action, despite repeated irregularities.
The High Court has asked the government to clarify the extent of illegal mining, the measures taken to curb it, and the reasons for not initiating stronger action against offenders.
The demand for a CBI investigation will be considered after reviewing the government’s reply.
The case highlights growing concerns over environmental damage and fiscal losses linked to unchecked mining activities in Odisha, a state rich in mineral resources but often criticised for weak enforcement of mining laws.
