SHILLONG: The Supreme Court has stayed the Meghalaya High Court's order to deploy central forces in the state to check illegal coal transportation. The apex court passed the stay order after the central government moved a special leave petition (SLP) challenging the high court's order.
The central government argued that the Central Industrial Security Force (CISF) and Central Armed Police Forces (CAPF) are only deployed for national security and law and order duties, and not for coal mining. The government also said that the Meghalaya High Court did not have the jurisdiction to order the deployment of central forces in the state.
The Meghalaya High Court had passed three orders on the deployment of central forces in the state. The first order was passed on March 13, 2023, directing the Union Home Ministry to deploy 10 companies of CAPF in the state. The second order was passed on March 20, 2023, directing the state government to provide logistical support to the central forces. The third order was passed on April 12, 2023, directing the state government to take steps to prevent illegal coal mining and transportation in the state.
The Supreme Court's stay order has put a hold on the implementation of the Meghalaya High Court's orders. The apex court will now hear the central government's SLP on a later date.
The issue of illegal coal mining and transportation in Meghalaya is a serious one. The state is one of the largest producers of coal in the country, and illegal mining has been a major problem for many years. The illegal mining of coal has led to environmental damage, loss of revenue for the state government, and health problems for the local population.
The Supreme Court's stay order is a setback for the efforts to curb illegal coal mining in Meghalaya. However, the apex court will now have the opportunity to hear the central government's arguments and decide whether the Meghalaya High Court had the jurisdiction to order the deployment of central forces in the state.
The stay order has also raised questions about the role of the central government in tackling illegal coal mining in the country. The central government has a responsibility to ensure that the laws related to coal mining are implemented effectively. The stay order suggests that the central government may not be doing enough to address the problem of illegal coal mining in Meghalaya.
The Supreme Court's decision on the central government's SLP will be closely watched by all stakeholders involved in the issue of illegal coal mining in Meghalaya. The apex court's decision could have a significant impact on the future of coal mining in the state.
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