Raju Engjai v. the Union of India and 16 Ors.
Case brief
What is this about?
Mining suspension/review — Gauhati High Court, WP(C)/2314/2025, decided 06.05.2025, registry id GAHC010090522025, neutral citation 2025:GAU-AS:5601, before Hon'ble Mr. Justice Michael Zothankhuma. Petitioner: Raju Engjai (Senior Counsel Mr. P. K. Goswami). Respondents led by the Union of India (MoEFCC), with National Board of Wildlife, State of Assam, Principal Secretary (Environment & Forest), Additional Chief Secretary (Geology & Mining), PCCF & HoFF, Director of Geology & Mining, SEIAA Assam, Pollution Control Board Assam, Karbi Anglong Autonomous Council and its officers (respondent Nos. 10 to 15 represented by Mr. A. Chutia). Subject: challenge to DFO Karbi Anglong East Division's order dated 29.01.2025 and cancellation notice dated 04.04.2024; prayer to restore mining at Nopani Cheklangso. Parity drawn with WP(C) 1003/2025 (orders dated 03.04.2025 and 05.05.2025) involving suspension of mining in the Eco Sensitive Zone of Kaziranga National Park and Tiger Reserve and default esz of KNP & Tr; Rule 67, Assam Minor Mineral Concession Rules, 2013 (review by Director/PCCF & HoFF; authority KAAC as transferred subject). Outcome: writ petition disposed of; liberty to file review within one week before the concerned authority, decision after hearing within a further two weeks; mining to continue if review allowed.