Disposed

Lav Mishra vs

NGT26 Aug 2025Original Application No. 959/2024

Case brief

AI extract

What is this about?

The National Green Tribunal disposed of an original application alleging illegal sand mining by M/s R.B. Enterprises in Fatehpur. The Tribunal noted that the matter was sub judice before the Allahabad High Court, with various writ petitions pending or disposed of. Consequently, the Tribunal vacated its earlier interim order and dismissed the application, stating no further action was required at t

What did the court decide?

The present Original Application is disposed of. The interim order dated 16.12.2024 is vacated subject to orders of the Allahabad High Court.

Lav Mishra vs — Writ and Judicial Review | NGT (2025)

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Item No. 08

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Court No. 2

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BEFORE NATIONAL GREEN TRIBUNAL

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PRINCIPAL BENCH, NEW DELHI

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Original Application No. 959/2024

Lav Mishra

Applicant

Versus

State of UP & Ors.

Respondents

Date of hearing: 26.08.2025

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CORAM: HON’BLE MR. JUSTICE ARUN KUMAR TYAGI, JUDICIAL MEMBER HON’BLE DR. AFROZ AHMAD, EXPERT MEMBER

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Applicant: None for the Applicant.

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Respondents: Mr. Ankit Verma, Advocate for respondents no. 1 to 4.

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Mr. Amit Shukla, Advocate for respondent no. 5 (through VC). Mr. Raman Yadav and Mr. Ansh Yadav, Advocates for respondent no. 6.

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ORDER

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The applicant-Mr. Lav Mishra had sent the present letter petition dated 21.11.2023 by email to this Tribunal, which has been treated and registered as original application under Sections 14 and 15 of the National Green Tribunal Act, 2010 for exercise of suo motu jurisdiction in view of the law laid down by Hon’ble Supreme Court in Municipal

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Corporation of Greater Mumbai vs. Ankita Sinha, (2022) 13 SCC

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401 .

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The applicant submitted that R.B. Enterprises, under the proprietorship of Virender Singh s/o Shri Ram Kishore Singh r/o Atarra Chungi, Chowki Kushwaha Nagar, Tehsil and District Banda, is engaged in illegal sand mining under Lalulli, District Fatehpur in violation of conditions of Environmental Clearance and Consent and thereby causing damage to environment. Mining activities have been carried out using heavy machines which is prohibited under the conditions of

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Environmental Clearance. Transportation of sand is by open vehicles and that too with overloaded trucks. The mining is also being carried out day and night flouting Environmental Clearance and Consent conditions.

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Vide order dated 13.09.2024 this Tribunal constituted a Joint Committee comprising District Magistrate, Fatehpur and Uttar Pradesh Pollution Control Board and directed the Joint Committee to visit the site, collect relevant information and submit a factual report within six weeks.

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In compliance thereof, report dated 16.10.2024 of the Joint Committee was filed by UPPCB along with the affidavit dated 29.10.2024 vide email dated 04.11.2024. The relevant part of the report of the Joint Committee reads as under:

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“ मा० राष्ट्रीय हररत अधिकरण, नई दिल्ली द्वारा ओ०ए० नं० 959/2024 लव धमश्रा बनाम उ०प्र० राज्य व अन्य में पाररत आिेश दिनांक 13.09.2024 के क्रम में जिलाधिकारी, फतेहपुर के कायाालय आिेश संख्या िी 00946/ओ०ए० नं0 959/2024/एन०िी०टी०/24-25, दिनांक 30.09.2024 के द्वारा गदित िांच सधमधत की ररपोटा। X X X X मा० एन०िी०टी० , नई दिल्ली द्वारा ओ०ए० नं 0 959/2024 लव धमश्रा बनाम उ०प्र० राज्य व अन्य में पाररत आिेश दिनांक 13.09.2024 के क्रम में जिलाधिकारी , फतेहपुर के कायाालय आिेश संख्या िी 00946/ ओ०ए० नं० 959/2024/ एन०िी०टी०/ 24-25, दिनांक 30.09.2024 के द्वारा प्रश्नगत प्रकरण की िांच हेतु सधमधत गदित की गयी (संलग्नक- 01) । िांच सधमधत में धनम्नधलजित अधिकारी नाधमत दकये गये है:-

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1. उप जिलाधिकारी , सिर , फतेहपुर

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2. िान अधिकारी , फतेहपुर

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3. सहायक पयाावरण अधियन्ता , उ०प्र० प्रिूषण धनयंत्रण बोर्ा , प्रयागराि मा० एन०िी०टी० , नई दिल्ली द्वारा ओ०ए० नं० 959/2024 लव धमश्रा बनाम उ०प्र० राज्य व अन्य में पाररत आिेश दिनांक 13.09.2024 के अनुपालन में जिलाधिकारी , फतेहपुर द्वारा गदित िांच सधमधत के सिस्यों द्वारा दिनांक 16.10.2024 को स्थलीय िांच दकया गया। िांच के समय धनम्नधलजित तथ्य प्रकाश में आये :-

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1. मेससा आर०बी० इण्टरप्राइिेि , कायाालय पता-अतारा चुंगी चौकी , कुशवाहा नगर जिला बााँिा , पाटानर श्री बीरेंन्र धसंह पुत्र श्री राम दकशोर धसंह धनवासी अतराा चुंगी , शास्त्री नगर थाना कोतवाली , बााँिा के पक्ष में िनपि फतेहपुर के तहसील सिर जस्थत ग्राम उरौली के बालू/मोरम िण्र् सं०-उरौली की गाटा संख्या 64 से 69, 83 से 91 तक , 108 से 112 तक , 115 से 121 तक , 141 से 149 तक , 161, 162, 167, 168, 183 से 186 तक , 202 से 210 तक , 234 से 245 तक , 301 से 313 तक , 383 से 390 तक , 395 से 402 तक , 409 से 412 तक , 417 से 423 तक , 463, 464, 587/471, 471 से 475 तक , 499, 500, 505 से 510 तक , 537 से 544 तक , 561 से 565 तक , 577 से 579 तक , 585, 586 कुल रकबा 50.00 हे 0 दिनांक 07.05.2022 से दिनांक 06.05.2027 तक 05 वषा की अवधि हेतु िनन पट्टा स्वीकृत / धनष्पादित दकया गया था।

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2. उक्त बालू िनन पट्टे को राज्य स्तरीय पयाावरण अधिप्रिाव मूल्यांकन प्राधिकरण , उ०प्र० के EC Identification No.-EC22B001UP163690, File no-6934-5978, Date 02/05/2022 द्वारा पयाावरणीय स्वीकृधत धनगात दकया गया है , जिसकी प्रधत संलग्नक- 2 के रूप में संलग्न है।

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3. उक्त िनन पट्टे को उ०प्र० प्रिूषण धनयंत्रण बोर्ा के पत्र संख्या 175629/ UPPCB/Allahabad (UPPCBRO)/CTO/both/FATEHPUR/2023, Dated 16/02/2023 के द्वारा िल (प्रिूषण धनवारण तथा धनयंत्रण) अधिधनयम , 1974 ( यथासंशोधित) की िारा- 25 एवं वायु (प्रिूषण धनवारण तथा धनयंत्रण) अधिधनयम , 1981 ( यथासंशोधित) की िारा- 21 के अन्तगात संचालन हेतु सहमधत (िल एवं वायु) धनगात दकया गया है , जिसकी वैिता दिनांक 16.02.2023 से दिनांक 31.12.2024 तक है , जिसकी प्रधत संलग्नक- 3 के रूप में संलग्न है

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4. मेससा आर०बी० इण्टरप्राइिेि , कायाालय पता-अतारा चुंगी चौकी , कुशवाहा नगर जिला बााँिा , पाटानर श्री बीरेंन्र धसंह पुत्र श्री राम दकशोर धसंह धनवासी अतराा चुंगी , शास्त्री नगर थाना कोतवाली , बााँिा पट्टािारक मोरम िण्र् सं०उरौली के द्वारा िनन पट्टा संचालन अवधि के िौरान उ०प्र० उप िधनि पररहार धनयमावली- 1963 यथासंशोधित धनयमावली- 2021 के धनयम- 42 ( ि). 60(6), 3. 58, 36(1), (2) एवं िनन प ट्टा ववलेि की शतों का उल्लंघन पाया गया।

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5. उ०प्र० उप िधनि (पररहार) धनयमावली- 2021 के धनयम- 42 ( ि) ( 1) में यह प्रावविाधनत है दक "पट्टेिार निी तल मे तीन मीटर की गहराई अथवा िल स्तर िो िी कम हो , के परे कोई िनन संदक्रयायें नहीं करेगा और कोई िनन , जिलाधिकारी द्वारा ऐसे परीक्षण दकये गये सुरक्षा क्षेत्र मे नही दकया

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िायेगा: प्रधतबन्ि यह है दक कोई िनन , िलिारा मे सक्शन मशीन , धलफ्टर आदि की सहायता से नही दकया िायेगा।"

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6. उ०प्र० उप िधनि (पररहार) धनयमावली- 2021 के धनयम- 60(4) में यह प्रावविाधनत है दक "धनयम 42 ( ि) के अिीन उपबजन्ित उप बन्िों के अनुसार िल िारा में सक्शन मशीन / धलफ्टर के माध्यम से िनन काया धनवषद्ध होगा। यदि कोई प ट्टािारक उक्त धनयमों के उपबन्िों का उल्लंघन करता पाया िाता है , तो प्रत्येक अवसर पर पााँच लाि रूपये की िर से शाररत के धलए िायी होगा , िो जिला मजिस्रेट या धनिेशक के आिेश पर वसूला िायेगा। शाजस्त की उपरोक्त उजल्लजित िनराधश को िमा करने में ववफल होने पर उस िनराधश को जिला मजिस्रेट द्वारा संबंधित पट्टे के सापेक्ष िमा की गयी प्रधतिूधत िनराधश से कटौती की िायेगी"।

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उ०प्र० उप िधनि (पररहार) धनयमावली-2021 के धनयम-60 (6) में यह प्रावविाधनत है दक "िहााँ पट्टािारक ववदहत लोदर्ंग सजन्नयमों की पुवि करने में ववफल हो िाये, वहााँ ऐसे प्रत्येक चूाँक की िशा मे जिला मजिस्रेट द्वारा रु0-25,000/- की शाजस्त अधिरोवपत की िायेगी। उक्त शाजस्त को िमा करने में ववफल रहने पर जिला मजिस्रेट द्वारा सम्बजन्ित पट्टे के सापेक्ष िमा की गई प्रधतिूधत िनराधश से कटौती कर ली िायेगी"।

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उ०प्र० उप िधनि (पररहार) धनयमावली-2021 के धनयम-36 (1) में यह प्रावविाधनत है दक "पट्टे के अिीन दिये गये क्षेत्र के सवेक्षण और सीमांकन के समय सम्बजन्ित िनन पट्टा क्षेत्र के सीमांकन मानधचत्र पर कोदर्ानेटस धचन्हांदकत दकये िायेंगे तथा पट्टा ववलेि धनष्पादित करने के पूवा पट्टेिार अपने स्वयं के व्यय पर ऐसे सीमां धचन्ह को और िम्िे को पररधनधमात करेगा और सिैव अनुरजक्षत करेगा और अच्छी जस्थधत मे रिेगा, िो पट्टाववलेि से संलग्न नक्शे मे िशााये गये सीमांकन को इंधगत करने के धलए आवश्यक हो"।

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9.उ०प्र० उप िधनि (पररहार) धनयमावली-2021 के धनयम-36 (2) में यह प्रावविाधनत है दक "िनन पट्टािारक, जिसका िनन पट्टा क्षेत्र 05 हे0 से अधिक है, पररवहन की धनगरानी के धलए, स्वयं के व्यय पर 360 दर्ग्री दृष्यता ररकादर्िंग के योग्य 04 सी०सी०टी०वी० कैमरा लगाने सदहत एक चेक पोस्ट / गेट का धनमााण करेगा। पट्टािारक उक्त चेक पोस्ट / गेटपर आर०एफ०आई०र्ी० स्कैनर िी रिेगा, जिससे सम्बजन्ित िनन पट्टा क्षेत्र के पररवहन हेतु प्रयुक्त प्रत्येक वाहन के सापेक्ष धनगात दकये गय ई-प्रपत्र एम०एम०-11पर अंदकत बारकोर् का र्ाटा पड़ने और सुरजक्षत रिने की सुवविा होगी,और उसका समुधचत रूप से रिरिाव करेगा एवं सिैव उसे चालू रूप मे अनुरजक्षत रहेगा। पट्टेिारक उक्त सिी सी०सी०टी०वी० कैमरे और आर०एफ० आई०र्ी० स्कैनरों द्वारा की गई समस्त ररकोदर्िंग को कम से

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कम 30 दिन तक रिेगा। और धनयम-67 के उपबन्िों के अिीन यथा उपबजन्ित प्राधिकृत अधिकारी के समक्ष उक्त ररकादर्िंग उपलब्ि करायेगा।

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10.उ०प्र० उप िधनि (पररहार) धनयमावली-2021 के धनयम-60 (3) में यह प्रावविाधनत है दक "यदि प ट्टािारक, धनयम 36 के उपबन्िों का उल्लंघन करता है तो प्रत्येक चूक के धलए प्रधतदिन पच्चीस हिार रूपये की िर से शाजस्त, संबंधित जिला मजिस्रेट द्वारा उद गृहीत की िायेगी। ऐसी उद गृहीत शाजस्त को िमा करने पर चूक की िशा में उक्त िनराधश की कटौती संबंधित जिला मजिस्रेट उक्त िनन पट्टा के सापेक्ष िमा की गयी प्रधतिूधत की िनराधश से करेगा"।

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उ०प्र० उप सिधनि (पररहार) धनयमावली-2021 के धनयम-3 में यह प्रावविाधनत है दक "कोई व्यवक्त राज्य के िीतर दकसी क्षेत्र में दकसी ऐसे उप िधनि की, जिस पर यह धनयमावली प्रयोज्य हो, इस धनयमावली के अिीन दिये गये िनन पट्टे या िनन अनुज्ञा-पत्र की धनबन्िन और शतों के अिीन और उसके अनुसार के अधतररक्त कोई िनन संदक्रयाएं नही कर सकेगा।"

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उ०प्र० उप िधनि (पररहार) धनयमावली-2021 के धनयम-58 में यह प्रावविाधनत है दक "िो कोई धनयम 3 के उपबन्िों का उल्लंघन करे व िोष धसद्ध हो िाने पर िोनों में से दकसी प्रकार के कारावास के िण्र् से िण्र्नीय होगा, िो पााँच वषा तक हो सकता है अथवा अथािण्र् से िण्र्नीय होगा, िो प्रधत हेक्टेयर क्षेत्र के धलए अन्यून िो लाि रूपये एवं अधिकतम पााँच लाि रूपये तक हो सकता है अथवा िोनों िण्र्ों से िण्र्नीय होगा।"

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13.उपरोक्त उल्लंघन के दृविगत प ट्टािारक को प्रत्येक िााँच में पाये गये उल्लंघन के प्रत्येक अवसर पर धनयमानुसार कारण बताओ नोदटसे धनगात की गई और यथा उधचत उनके द्वारा प्रस्तुत प्रत्यावेिनों का धनस्तारण करते हुये गुण-िोष के आिार पर उ०प्र० उप िधनि (पररहार) धनयमावली के धनयम-59 में प्रित्त अधिकारों के तहत मेससा आर०बी० इण्टरप्राइिेि, कायाालय पता-अतारा चुंगी चौकी, कुशवाहा नगर जिला बााँिा, पाटानर श्री बीरेन्र धसंह पुत्र श्री राम दकशोर धसंह धनवासी अतराा चुंगी, शास्त्री नगर थाना कोतवाली, बााँिा के पक्ष में स्वीकृत उपरोक्त बालू/मोरम िनन प ट्टा क्षेत्र उरौली को आिेश सं0-1054/िधनि/ि०प०/उरौली/2024 दिनांक 11.07.2024 (संलग्नक-4) द्वारा धनरस्त करते हुये धनम्न आिेश पाररत दकये गये :-

¶47

¶48

(i) ताधलका-1 में उजल्लजित शाररत सदहत कुल बकाया िनराधश रु01,02,34,420/-, ताधलका-2 में उजल्लजित िनन पट्टा दकश्त की बकाया िनराधश रु0-2,42,79,575/-ताधलका-4 में उजल्लजित यू०पी०एम०र्ी०एस०एस० पोटाल पर वाल्यूम धमसमैच एवं वविआउट ई- एम०एम०-11 के आनलाइन नोदटस की िनराधश रु0-1,41,06,323/-कुल िनराधश 50-4,86,20,318/को िमा प्रधतिूधत की िनराधश 1,79,06,250/- में समायोजित दकया िाता है। पट्टािारक को धनिेधशत दकया िाता है दक समायोिन के उपरान्त अवशेष बकाया िनराधश रु०3.07.14.068/- आिेश प्राप्त होने के 15 दिवस के अन्िर धनिााररत लेिा शीषाक "0853" / रािकोष के एकेवीकोर् के माध्यम से िमा कर चालान की प्रधत िधनि कायाालय में उपलब्ि कराना सुधनजित करें।

¶49

(ii) र्ी०एम०एफ० की बकाया िनराधश रु0-1,67,74,575/- जिला िधनि के िाता फाउण्र्ेशन न्यास फतेहपुर संख्या-37171070081 आई०एफ०एस०सी० कोर्-SBINO000076 में, तथा िेय टी०सी०एस० की िनराधश रु०-50-33,54,915/- को धनिााररत टैन नं0-ALDD00887F में) आिेश धनगात होने की धतधथ से 15 दिवस के अन्िर िमा कराकर िमा रसीि/चालान की प्रधत इस कायाालय को उपलब्ि करायें। उक्त के अधतररक्त यदि अन्य कोई िेयता बनती है, तो उसकी वसूली पृथक से की िायेगी।

¶50

(Ⅲ) प ट्टािारक द्वारा उपरोक्त अधिरोदफा िनराधश धनयत समय में िमा नही करने पर धनयमानुसार बकाया िनराधश की वसूली समस्त िागीिारों से िूरािस्व के बकाये की िांधत वसूल दकये िाने हेतु वसूली प्रमाण पत्र धनगात दकया िाये।

¶51

14.जिलाधिकारी, फतेहपुर के आिेश सं०-1054/िधनि/ि०प० / उरीली /2024 दिनांक 11.07.2024 द्वारा मेससा आर०बी० इण्टरप्राइिेि, ग्रामउरौली, तहसील-फतेहपुर, िनपि-फतेहपुर के पक्ष में स्वीकृत बालू/मौरम िनन पट्टा क्षेत्र उरौली को उ०प्र० उप िधनि (पररहार) धनयमावली, 2021 के धनयम 59 में प्रित्त अधिकारों के तहत धनरस्त दकया गया है। उक्त माईधनंग प्रोिेक्ट को धनगात सशता सहमधत (िल एवं वायु) आिेश दिनांक 16.02.2023 के ववधशि शता संख्या 03 में धनम्नवत् उल्लेि दकया गया था

¶52

If the lease agreement expires prior to 31.12.2024, then the validity of this CTO shall stand expired simultaneously with the expiry of mining lease.

¶53

¶54

उपरोक्त वजणात तथ्यों के दृविगत उक्त सन्िधिात सैण्र् माईधनंग प्रोिेक्ट को धनगात सशता सहमधत (िल एवं वायु) दिनांक 16.02.2023 को उ०प्र० प्रिूषण धनयंत्रण बोर्ा के पत्र संख्या एच 18875/सी-2/वायु-356/24, दिनांक 21.10.2024 द्वारा अधग्रम आिेशों तक धनष्प्रिावी दकया गया है तथा प ट्टािारक को धनिेधशत दकया गया है दक उक्त स्थल पर वबना पूवा अनुमधत के िनन काया न दकया िाये। उ०प्र० प्रिूषण धनयंत्रण बोर्ा के पत्र दिनांक 21.10.2024 द्वारा सहमधत आिेश को धनष्प्रिावी दकये िाने के पत्र की प्रधत संलग्नक-05 के रूप में संलग्न है।

¶55

15.उक्त आिेश सं0-1054/िधनि/ि०प०/उरौली/2024 दिनांक 11.07.2024 से क्षुब्ि होकर याची मेससा आर०बी० इण्टरप्राइिेि द्वारा मा० उच्च न्यायालय इलाहाबाि में ररट याधचका सी-26843/2024 मेससा आर०बी० इण्टरप्राइिेि बनाम उ०प्र० राज्य व अन्य योजित की गईहै।

¶56

16.उक्त याधचका सं0-26843/2024 मेससा आर०बी० इण्टर प्राइिेि बनाम उ०प्र० राज्य च अन्य में दिनांक 20.08.2024 को मा० उच्च न्यायालय इलाहाबाि द्वारा धनम्न आिेश पाररत दकये गये हैं 一

¶57

"1. Heard counsel for the petitioner and learned Standing Counsel.

¶58

2. Learned counsel for the petitioner submitted that the controversy in the instant writ petition is squarely covered by the order which has been passed in a similar matter, copy of which has been found at page 96 of the paper book and that an identical order be passed in this petition. 3. Learned Standing Counsel has no objection to this prayer.

¶59

4. The present petition has been filed challenging the order dated 11.7.2024 issued by the respondent No. 3, so far as it relates to demand of DMF amount.

¶60

5. It has been stated by the petitioner and the said fact has not been denied by the learned Standing Counsel that the issue regarding liability to pay the DMF amount, i.e., the amount due to the District Mineral Foundation Trust has already been concluded by a Division Bench judgment of this Court dated 15.11.2017 passed in Writ C No. 54052 of 2017 against which a Special Leave to Appeal (C) No. 35161 of 2017 has been filed before the Supreme Court.

¶61

6. It has been stated in the petition that in the aforesaid special leave to appeal, the Supreme court has passed an interim order permitting the petitioner to deposit the statutory royalty and furnish a bank guarantee of the balance amount of royalty claimed by the respondent and the demand notices shall remain stayed on the petitioner furnishing the bank guarantee.

¶62

¶63

7. A bunch of writ petitions in which the leading case was WritC No. 16647 of 2020 (M/s Hardik Distributors Pvt. Ltd. vs. State of U.P. and others), this Court passed an order dated 17.05.2023 disposing of the aforesaid petitions.

¶64

8. The operative part of the order dated 17.05.2023, passed by this Court is reproduced below:

¶65

"4. We find that this batch of writ petitions are pending in this court from last several years. Therefore, we propose to dispose of all these writ petitions, providing as under:

¶66

(i) All the writ petitions are disposed of in terms of the Division Bench judgment of this court dated 15.11.2017 in Writ-C No.54052 of 2017, which shall be subject to the final decision of Hon'ble Supreme Court in the Petition for Special Leave to Appeal (C) No.35161 of 2017 (Chandra Bhan Singh vs. The State of Uttar Pradesh and others) and in the event, the aforesaid Petition for Special Leave to Appeal is allowed or any relief is granted by Hon'ble Supreme Court, then the respondents shall extend the relief so granted to all the petitioners of this batch of writ petitions and the concerned respondents shall also pass appropriate orders in the matter of the petitioners in terms of the final decision of Hon'ble Supreme Court including directions for release of Bank Guarantees, if any.

¶67

(ii) The benefit of interim order granted by Hon'ble Supreme Court as afore quoted, shall continue to be available to the petitioners till the aforesaid Petition for Special Leave to Appeal (C) No.35161 of 2017 is finally decided by Hon'ble Supreme Court."

¶68

1. As the issues raised in the present petition are the same as the issues raised in Writ-C No. 16647 of 2020, this petition is also disposed of in terms of the order dated 17.05.2023 passed in Writ-C No. 16647 of 2020.

¶69

2.10. It is, however, clarified that this order does not apply in so far as demand of TCS or any other dues indicated in the impugned order dated 11.7.2024 is concerned, especially because no relief in its regard has been sought in the writ petition.

¶70

17.उक्त के अनुपालन में वांधछत अनुिेश मा० उच्च न्यायालय इलाहाबाि में कायाालय पत्र सं0-1254/ िधनि/ररट/2024 दिनांक 12.08.2024 के माध्यम से प्रेवषत दकये गये।

¶71

उक्त के अधतररक्त एक अन्य याधचका सं०-30668/2024 मेससा आर० जिसमे बी०इण्टरप्राइिेि यनाम उ०प्र० राज्य व अन्य योजित की गई है, मा० उच्च न्यायालय द्वारा सुनवाई उपरान्त दिनांक 12.09.2024 को धनम्न आिेश पाररत दकये हैं:-

¶72

"One of the submissions made by Shri Shashi Nandan, learned Senior Advocate is that a number of reasons have

¶73

¶74

been assigned in the impugned order for cancelling of the lease granted to the petitioner. However, only one show cause notice was served which was dated 27.6.2023. As regards the other allegations, there was no material. 2. Learned Standing Counsel is directed to obtain instructions in the matter."

¶75

उक्त के अनुपालन में वांधछत अनुिेश मा० उच्च न्यायालय इलाहाबाि में कायाालय पत्र सं0-1341/िधनि/ररट/2024 दिनांक 21.09.2024 के माध्यम से प्रेवषत दकये गये।

¶76

िनपि फतेहपुर के तहसील सिर अन्तगात जस्थत ग्राम उरौली की गाटा संख्या-64 से 69, 83 से 91 तक, 108 से 112 तक, 115 से 121 तक 141 से 149 तक, 161, 162, 167, 168, 183 से 186 तक, 202 से 210 तक, 234 से 245 तक, 301 से 313 तक, 383 से 390 तक, 395 से 402 तक, 409 से 412 तक, 417 से 423तक, 463, 464, 587/471, 471 से 475 तक, 499, 500, 505 से 510 तक, 537 से 544 तक, 561 से 565 तक, 577 से 579 तक, 585, 586 रकबा 50.00 हे० बालू/मोरम िण्र् सं०-उरौली का स्थलीय धनरीक्षण स्वीकृत / धनष्पादित िनन पट्टा अनुबन्ि के अनुसार धनिााररत जियो कोदर्ानेट्स के तहत दिनांक 16.10.2024 को दकया गया। जियो कोदर्ानेट्स धनम्नवत् हैं :-

¶77

उत्तर-	ग्राम उरौली े	्र का शेष	्र े िाग
िजक्षण-	यमुना निी े	ु का शेष	ु े िाग
पूवा-	ग्राम सीमा	्र िसौली
पजिम	सीमा ग्राम	्र अढावल
वबन्िु	अक्षांश		िेशान्तर
(A)	N- 25⁰.48.573’		E- 80⁰.28.624’
(A1)	N- 25⁰.48.440’		E- 80⁰.28.780’
(A2)	N- 25⁰.48.273’		E- 80⁰.29.969’
(A3)	N- 25⁰.48.129’		E- 80⁰.29.166’
(A4)	N- 25⁰.48.924’		E- 80⁰.28.447’
B	N- 25⁰.47.705’		E- 80⁰.29.835’
C	N-25⁰.47.622’		E-80⁰.29.775’

¶78

¶79

C1	N-25⁰.47.842’	E-80⁰.29.386’
C2	N-25⁰.48.055’	E-80⁰.29.087’
C3	N-25⁰.48.207’	E-80⁰.28.880’
C4	N-25⁰.48.363’	E-80⁰.28.693’
D	N-25⁰.48.999’	E-80⁰.28.529’

¶80

धनरीक्षण के िौरान क्षेत्र सूिा एवं समतल पाया गया। िनन पट्टा क्षेत्र एवं क्षेत्र के आस-पास बालू/मोरम का िनन/पररवहन होता हुआ नही पाया गया। क्षेत्र की िौगोधलक जस्थधत एवं निी की िल िारा के पररवतान आदि के सम्बन्ि में िी धनरीक्षण दकया, जिसमें पाया गया दक मानसून सत्र प्रारम्ि होने के पूवा की िौगोधलक जस्थधत वतामान में िी ववद्यमान है। निी की िलिारा आदि मे कोई पररवतान नही हुआ है। प्रश्नगत िनन पट्टा क्षेत्र में कोई िी पयाावरणीय बिलाव एवं क्षधत पररलजक्षत नहीं हुई है। (िॉच के समय िनन पट्टा क्षेत्र के धलए गये स्थलीय फोटोग्राफ संलग्नक6)

¶81

22.पूवा मे स्वीकृत बालू/मोरम िनन पट्टा क्षेत्र ग्राम उरौली को कायाालय आिेश सं0-1054/िधनि/ि०प०/उरौली/2024 दिनांक 11.07.2024 द्वारा धनरस्त कर दिया गया है। प्रश्नगत क्षेत्र ररक्त होने के कारण शासनािेश संख्या-781/86-2020-14 (सा०)/2020 दिनांक 23.05.2020 मे दिये गये धनिेशों के क्रम में अधिकतम 06 माह की अल्प अवधि के धलये ई- धनवविा प्रणाली के माध्यम से क्षेत्र को िनन अनुज्ञा पत्र पर स्वीकृत दकये िाने हेतु उपलब्ि घोवषत कर ववज्ञापन की कायावाही की िा रही है। गदित संयुक्त सधमधत की आख्या आपके अवलोकनाथा एवं अधग्रम आवश्यक कायावाही हेतु सािर प्रस्तुत है।”

¶82

By order dated 13.09.2024 this Tribunal impleaded (1) State of U.P., (2) Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change, Government of Uttar Pradesh, (3) Director, Mining and Geology, Government of Uttar Pradesh, (4) District Magistrate, Fatehpur and (5) Uttar Pradesh Pollution Control Board and ordered issuance of notices to them requiring them to file their responses within two weeks. Vide order dated 14.11.2024 the Project Proponent -M/s. R.B. Enterprises was impleaded as respondent no. 6.

¶83

¶84

Pursuant to notice reply affidavit dated 13.11.2024 was filed by the District Magistrate, Fatehpur. The relevant part of the reply reads as under:-

¶85

“ AFFIDAVIT OF DISTRICT MAGISTRATE, FATEHPUR, IN COMPLIANCE OF ORDER DATED 13-09-2024 PASSED BY THIS HON'BLE TRIBUNAL

¶86

X X X X

¶87

4. That in compliance of the order dated 13.09.2024 passed by this Hon'ble Tribunal, the deponent vide his Office Order No. G00946/O.A. No. 959/2024/NGT/24-25 dated 30.09.2024, constituted a Joint Committee comprising of Sub Divisional Magistrate, Sadar, Fatehpur, Mines Officer, Fatehpur and Assistant Environment Engineer, UPPCB, Regional OfficePrayagraj, for inspecting the mining site and submit a factual report within one week.

¶88

5. That the aforesaid Committee inspected the mining site on 16.10.2024. During the inspection conducted by the Joint Committee, The mining site was dry and plain. The course of the river and its flow was also inspected and it was found that it had not been disturbed and the flow is same as it was before the monsoon season. However, in earlier inspections which were conducted by the District Administration various Irregularities and violations were found which were in contradiction to the U.P. Minor Mineral Concession (Rules) 2021. Penalty was imposed for illegal sand mining and transportation, the details of which have been filed along with the report of the District Magistrate in Annexure No. 4 of the said report.

¶89

6. That the District Magistrate, Fatehpur vide his Letter No. 1054/ Mines/ Kha. Pa./Urauli/ 2024, dated 11.07.2024, imposed a total penalty of Rs. 2,43,40,743/- (Rupees Two Crores Forty Three Lacs Forty Thousand Seven Hundred Forty Three Only) on the Project Proponent for violation of U.P. Minor Mineral (Concession) Rules 2021, illegal sand mining and transportation. The mining lease of the project Proponent m/s R.B. Enterprises has also been cancelled vide same letter.

¶90

7. That the project proponent (M/s R.B. Enterprises), challenged the aforesaid order of the District Magistrate, Fatehpur, by filing a writ petition No. Writ C-26843/2024, titled as M/s R.B. Enterprises vs. State of U.P. & Ors. before the Hon'ble Allahabad High Court, wherein the Hon'ble Court vide its order dated 20.08.2024, in its magnanimity was pleased to dispose of the writ petition in terms of the order dated 17.05.2023, passed in a similar matter, bearing Writ Petition No. Writ C No. 16647 of 2020. A copy of the order dated 20.08.2024 and order dated 17.05.2023, passed by the Hon'ble Allahabad High Court is collectively annexed herewith as Annexure- R 1.

¶91

8. That another writ petition was filed by the Project Proponent, before the Hon'ble Allahabad High Court, numbered as Writ C- 30668 of 2024, titled as M/s R.B. Enterprises vs. State of U.P. & Ors., wherein the Hon'ble Allahabad High Court, directed the Learned Standing Counsel to obtain instructions in the said matter. In compliance of the same, instructions dated 21.09.2024 bearing Officer Letter No. 1341/Mineral/Writ/2024 were submitted to the office of Learned Standing Counsel.

¶92

¶93

However, no stay has been granted by the Hon'ble Allahabad High Court in the said writ petition filed by the Project Proponent. Copies of orders passed by the Hon'ble Allahabad High Court, in Writ C No.- 30668 of 2024, titled as M/s R.B. Enterprises vs. State of U.P. & Ors. are collectively being annexed herewith as Annexure- R 2.

¶94

9. That since no stay was granted by the Hon'ble Allahabad High Court in the aforesaid mentioned writ petition, therefore the deponent issued a Recovery Certificate dated 08.11.2024 against the Project Proponent to recover the penalty amount which was imposed vide an earlier Letter No. 1054/ Mines/Kha. Pa./ Urauli/ 2024, dated 11.07.2024 issued by the deponent. A copy of the Recovery Certificate dated 08.11.2024 issued against the Project Proponent is being annexed herewith as Annexure-R-3.

¶95

10. In relation to illegal mining of Morrum, done by the lessee, Uttar Pradesh Pollution Control Board, Lucknow has issued a show cause notice vide office letter No.-H019630/C-2/AIR356/24 dated 11.11.2024, against the lessee M/s RB Enterprises for imposing environmental compensation of Rs.1,37,82,600/-. Annexure- R 4.

¶96

11. That in respectful compliance of the order dated 13.09.2024, the deponent herein has filed the Joint Inspection Report along with annexures in the instant matter which is on record.”

¶97

This Tribunal considered the reply affidavit of District Magistrate, Fatehpur on 14.11.2024 and observed that UPPCB has not shown as to

¶98

what action was taken against Project Proponent for illegal mining and directed UPPCB to file reply in this regard.

¶99

In compliance thereof UPPCB filed response dated 12.12.2024. The relevant part of the response reads as under:-

¶100

“AFFIDAVIT ON BEHALF OF THE RESPONDENT NO.5, UTTAR PRADESH POLLUTION CONTROL BOARD, IN COMPLIANCE TO THE ORDER DATED 14.11.2024 PASSED BY THIS HON'BLE TRIBUNAL

¶101

X X X X

¶102

5. That it is necessary to mention here that UPPCB vide its letter Ref. No. H18875/C-2/Vayu-356/24, dated 21.10.2024 has in-effectuated / revoked the Consent to Operate (CTO) dated 16.02.2023 issued in favour of the project proponent i.e. M/s R. B. Enterprises, Fatehpur till further orders with direction to stop the mining activities. A true copy of the letter dated 21.10.2024 is annexed herewith and marked as Annexure R5/1.

¶103

¶104

6. That it is also worthwhile to mention here that vide its letter Ref. No. H19630/C-2/Vayu-356/24 dated 11.11.2024 the UPPCB has also issued a show cause notice regarding imposition of Environmental Compensation amounting Rs. 1,37,82,600/- (Rs. One Crore Thirty-Seven Lakh Eighty Two Thousand Six Hundred only) against the project proponent. A true copy of the show cause notice dated 11.11.2024 is annexed herewith and marked as Annexure R5/2.

¶105

That the District Magistrate, Fatehpur has vide its letter dated 11.07.2024 issued a direction to the project proponent to deposit a sum of INR 3,07,14,068/- (after adjustment of Security), INR 1,67,74,575/against D.M.F. and INR 33,54,915/- against TCS within 15 days.

¶106

A copy of the order dated 11.07.2024 passed by District Magistrate, Fatehpur is annexed herewith and marked as Annexure R5/3.

¶107

That in pursuance to the show cause notice dated 11.11.2024, UPPCB has imposed an Environmental Compensation of INR 1,37,82,600/- vide its letter dated 12.12.2024.

¶108

A true copy of the letter dated 12.12.2024 imposing Environment Compensation is annexed herewith and marked as Annexure R5/4.”

¶109

This Tribunal noticed in its order dated 16.12.2024 that as per report dated 29.10.2024 of the District Magistrate, Fatehpur, steps were being taken for grant of 6 month’s permit and by interim injunctive order dated 16.12.2024 restrained grant of further mining lease permit in respect of the land in question. The relevant part of the order reads as under:-

¶110

“6. In view of the attendant facts and circumstances and applicability of precautionary principle as per mandate of Section 20 of the National Green Tribunal Act, 2010 it is directed that no further mining lease permit either short term or long term be granted and no mining be allowed to be carried out in the land in question without permission of this Tribunal.

¶111

7. The District Magistrate, Fatehpur and the Superintendent of Police, Fatehpur are directed to take all requisite steps to prevent any further mining in the land in question.”

¶112

Respondent no. 6 filed reply dated 20.01.2025. The relevant part of

¶113

the reply is reproduced below:-

¶114

“ REPLY ON BEHALF OF RESPONDENT NO.06 X X X X

¶115

¶116

4. It is most respectfully submitted that R.B. Enterprises has operated under a valid mining lease granted for the extraction of sand and morrum, covering a total area of 50 hectares, for the period from 07.05.2022 to 06.05.2027. The lease was obtained with all requisite statutory approvals in place. These include the Environmental Clearance granted by the State Level Environmental Impact Assessment Authority, Uttar Pradesh, on 02.05.2022 (EC Identification No. EC22B001UP163690), as well as a valid Consent to Operate (Water and Air) issued by the Uttar Pradesh Pollution Control Board on 16.02.2023, which remains effective until 31.12.2024. The operations have thus been conducted in strict compliance with the prescribed regulatory framework. A true copy of the mining lease granted to Respondent No. 06 and environment clearance granted by the State Level Environment Impact Assessment Authority, Uttar Pradesh is annexed herewith and marked as AnnexureCA 1 and Annexure CA-2 respectively.

¶117

5. It is most respectfully submitted that the Respondent No. 06, the Lessee herein, has acted diligently to comply with the prescribed conditions under the Uttar Pradesh Minor Minerals (Concession) Rules, 2021, and the terms of the Environmental measures to mitigate environmental impact and ensure sustainable operations. Notably, trees have been planted in and around the mining lease area to contribute to ecological balance and minimize the environmental footprint. Furthermore, CCTV cameras have been installed at strategic locations to ensure effective monitoring of mining activities and to uphold transparency in operations.

¶118

6. It is humbly submitted that the District Magistrate, Fatehpur, through his letter No. 1054/Mines/Kha. Pa./Urali/2024 dated 11.07.2024, imposed a penalty of ₹2,43,40,743/- (Rupees Two Crores Forty-Three Lakhs Forty Thousand Seven Hundred Forty-Three only) on Respondent No. 06, the lessee, M/s R.B. Enterprises. The penalty was levied for alleged violations of the Uttar Pradesh Minor Mineral (Concession) Rules, 2021, including claims of unauthorized sand mining and transportation, as well as breaches of regulatory compliance. 7. Furthermore, through the same letter, the mining lease granted to Respondent No. 06, M/s R.B. Enterprises, was cancelled by the District Magistrate on grounds of purported infractions of statutory provisions and environmental safeguards. The Respondent respectfully submits that these actions were taken despite ongoing efforts by the lessee to comply with prescribed conditions and adhere to legal and environmental standards, including measures such as the plantation of trees and installation of CCTV cameras at the site to ensure compliance and transparency.

¶119

8. That the lessee, Respondent No. 06 herein, M/s R.B. Enterprises, challenged the order dated 11.07.2024 issued by the District Magistrate, Fatehpur so far as It relates to demand of DMF amount, by filing Writ Petition Civil No. 26843 of 2024, titled M/s R.B. Enterprises versus State of U.P. & Ors., before the Hon'ble High Court of Judicature at Allahabad. The Hon'ble High Court, vide its order dated 20.08.2024, disposed of the writ petition in terms of its earlier decision dated 17.05.2023, passed in a similar matter bearing Writ Petition Civil No. 16647 of 2020. A true copy of the orders dated 20.08.2024 and 17.05.2023, passed by the Hon'ble High Court of Allahabad,

¶120

¶121

has been. annexed as Annexure-R1 to the affidavit filed by the District Magistrate, Fatehpur, Respondent No. 04 herein.

¶122

9. It is most respectfully submitted that the present Original Application has been registered under section 14 and section 15 of the National Green Tribunal Act, 2010 In exercise of suo moto jurisdiction in view of the law laid down by the Supreme Court in Municipal Corporation of Greater Mumbai versus Ankit Sinha (2022) 13 SCC 401, on a letter petition dated 21.11.2023 received from the Petitioner herein.

¶123

10. It is submitted that this Hon'ble Court on considering the allegation as stated in the letter petition filed by the Petitioner was of the view that the issue involves the substantial question relating to the Environment and enactment of Schedule 1 of NGT Act,2010 and therefore constituted a Joint Committee Comprising District Magistrate, Fatehpur and Uttar Pradesh Pollution Control Board.

¶124

11. It is most respectfully submitted that the Joint Committee conducted an inspection of the mining site on 16.10.2024. During the inspection, it was observed that the mining site was dry and levelled. Additionally, the course and flow of the river were examined, and it was found that there had been no disturbance to the river's natural course or flow, which remained unchanged from its state prior to the monsoon season.

¶125

12. Thereafter, a writ petition, numbered Writ C-30668 of 2024 and titled M/s R.B. Enterprises vs. State of U.P. & Ors., was filed by the lessee, Respondent No. 6 herein, before the Hon'ble High Court of Judicature at Allahabad, challenging the cancellation of the mining lease. During the proceedings, the Hon'ble High Court directed the Learned Standing Counsel to obtain instructions on the issues raised by Respondent No. 6. The matter remains sub judice before the Hon'ble High Court. A true copy of the orders passed by the Hon'ble High Court of Allahabad in Writ C No. 30668 of 2024, titled "M/s R.B. Enterprises versus State of U.P. & Ors.," has been annexed as Annexure-R2 to the affidavit filed by Respondent No. 4, the District Magistrate, Fatehpur.

¶126

13. That since no stay, was granted by the Hon'ble Allahabad High Court in Writ Petition Civil No. 26843 of 2024, therefore the District Magistrate issued a recovery certificate dated 08.11.2024 against Respondent No. 06 to recover the penalty amount which was imposed vide Letter No. 1054/ Mines/ Kha. Pa./Urauli/ 2024, dated 11.07.2024 issued by the District Magistrate. A true copy of the Recovery Certificate dated 08.11.2024 issued against Respondent No. 06 has been annexed as Annexure R3 in the affidavit filed by the District Magistrate, Respondent No. 04 herein.”

¶127

Vide order dated 21.01.2025 respondent no.6 was directed to file additional reply giving all requisite details regarding compliance made by him with EC and CTO conditions and environmental norms in carrying out mining during the period the lease deed was operative and also to submit copies of relevant documents regarding minor mineral

¶128

¶129

transported along with date wise summary of electronic weighment slips and corresponding E- Ravanas used by the Project Proponent and respondent no.3 was directed to file additional reply by way of his own affidavit regarding site inspections conducted by the District Mining Officer during the lease period in compliance with the guidelines issued by MoEF & CC, CPCB and UPPCB and directions given by this Tribunal in respect of sand mining along with copies of inspection reports with requisite details regarding the compliance/non-compliance observed and action initiated regarding non-compliance.

¶130

The Director, Geology and Mining, U.P. filed affidavit dated 20.02.2025. The relevant part of the affidavit reads as under:-

¶131

“ AFFIDAVIT OF DIRECTOR, GEOLOGY AND MINING, GOVERNMENT OF UTTAR PRADESH IN COMPLIANCE OF ORDER DATED 21-01-2025 PASSED BY THIS HON'BLE TRIBUNAL

¶132

X X X X

¶133

4. On the basis of report dated 19.02.2025 submitted by District Mines Officer Fatehpur, it is submitted that the inspections/inquiries conducted by the District Mines officers, Fatehpur in the respect of mining lease in question, granted in favour of Respondent No.6 (Project Proponent M/s R.B. Enterprises) for a period of five years [07.05.2022 till 06.05.2027] on gata nos. 64 to 69, 83 to 91, 108 to 112, 115to 121, 141to 149, 161, 162, 167, 168, 183 to 186, 202 to 210, 234 to 245, 301 to 313, 383 to 390, 395 to 402, 409 to 412, 417 to 423, 463, 464, 587/471, 471 to 475, 499, 500, 505 to 510, 537 to 544, 561 to 565, 577 to 579, 585, 586 situated at Urauli, district Fatehpur admeasuring area of 50 hectares, irregularities found and action taken thereof is detailed below Annexure R 1(colly):

¶134

S. N .	Name of Investigatin g Officer/Date of Investigatio n	Irregularities found in mining area during inspection	Details of show cause notice issued by the office based on the inspection report	Violation of rule as per the act committed by the lessee	The amount of penalty and other amounts imposed in relation to the amount of penalty/fine contained in the notice

¶135

¶136

					as per the violation
1	2	3	4	5	6
1	Mr. Rajesh Kumar, Mines Officer 27.12.2022	During checking, 17 vehicles were found carrying more than the prescribed capacity/without transport documents	Letter No.-16/30- Khanij (2022-2023) dated 07.01.2023	violation of Rule- 60(6) of Uttar Pradesh Minor Minerals (Concession) Rules- 2021	4,25,000/-
2	Mr. Rajesh Kumar, Mines Officer 28.02.2023	Carrying out mining work even after water level has come down is a violation of Rule-42 (h)(1) of Uttar Pradesh Minor Minerals (Concession) Rules- 2021	Letter No.-211/Khanij (2022-2023) dated 28.03.2023	violation of Rule- 60(4) of Uttar Pradesh Minor Minerals (Concession) Rules- 2021	5,00,000/-
3	Mr. Raj Ranjan Kumar, Mines Officer 17.06.2023	Outside the approved area, 60 X 40 X 1 = 2400 cubic meters and 58 X 42 X 1 = 2436 cubic meters, a total of 4836 cubic meters of sand was illegally mined, which is in violation of Rule-3, 58 and 72 of Uttar Pradesh Minor Minerals (Concession) Rules- 2021. A total of 06 vehicles were found transporting sub- minerals in excess of the prescribed capacity on the road outside the approved area, on which online challan was done through M-Check. The said act is in violation of Uttar Pradesh Minor Minerals (Concession) Rules- 2021Rule-60 (6)	letter no. 456/Khanij/2023/Uraul i dated 27.06.2023	violation of Rule-3, 58, 72 and 60(6) of Uttar Pradesh Minor Minerals (Concession) Rules- 2021	Royalty and mineral value Rs.- 43,52,400/- Penalty Rs.- 5,00,000/- Rs.- 1,50,000/- from 06 vehicles for violation of loading norms
4	Mr. Raj Ranjan Kumar, Mines Officer 23.06.2023	01 pillar was found fallen. Rule-36 (1) of Uttar Pradesh Minor Minerals(Concession ) Rules-2021 is violated as the boundary pillar was not maintained in the approved mining area. 04 vehicles were found transporting minor-minerals in excess of the	letter no. 461/Khanij/2023/Uraul i dated 30.06.2023	violation of Rules-60 (3) and 60 (6) Uttar Pradesh Minor Minerals(Concession ) Rules-2021	Rs.25,000/- for not maintaining boundary pillars Rs.1,00,000/ -from 04 vehicles for violating loading norms

¶137

¶138

		prescribed capacity, which is a violation of Rule-60 (6)
5	Mr Raj Ranjan Kumar, Mines Officer 02.01.2024	Boundary pillars were not found maintained in the approved area, which is a violation of Rule-36(1) of Uttar Pradesh Minor Minerals (Concession) Rules- 2021. PTZ camera was not found functional, which is a violation of Uttar Pradesh Minor Minerals (Concession) Rules- 2021 Rules-36(2). A total of 113 cubic meters of sand was found illegally mined outside the approved area, which is a violation of Rule-3, 58, 72 of violation of Uttar Pradesh Minor Minerals (Concession) Rules- 2021	Letter No. 86/Khanij/kha. pa./Urauli 2024 dated 18.01.2024	violation of Rules-60 (3) and Rule-3, 58, 72 of Uttar Pradesh Minor Minerals (Concession) Rules- 2021	Rs. 25,000/- for not maintaining boundary pillars Rs. 25,000/- for not functioning PTZ camera Royalty and mineral value Rs. 1,01,700/- Penalty Rs. 5,00,000/-
6	Mr.Bipendra Kumar Rajbhar, Mines Inspector 10.02.2024	Boundary pillars were not found maintained in the approved area, which is a violation of Rule-36 (1) of violation of Uttar Pradesh Minor Minerals (Concession) Rules- 2021. A total of 1000 cubic meter of sand has been illegally mined/transported at a depth of 01 meter in 1000 square meters outside the approved area, which is a violation of Rule-3, 58, 72 of violation of Uttar Pradesh Minor Minerals(Concession ) Rules-2021.	Letter No. 236/Khanij/kha. pa./Urauli 2024 dated 19.02.2024	violation of Rules-60 (3) and Rule-3, 58, 72 of Uttar Pradesh Minor Minerals (Concession) Rules- 2021	For not maintaining boundary pillars Rs.- 25,000/- Royalty and mineral value Rs.- 9,00,000/- Penalty Rs.- 5,00,000/-
7	Mr. Bipendra Kumar Rajbhar, Mines Inspector	Carrying out mining operations even after the water level has risen is a violation of Rule 42 (h)(1)of the violation	Letter No. 268/Khanij/kha. pa./Urauli 2024 dated 24.02.2024	violation of Rules-60 (4) of Uttar Pradesh Minor Minerals (Concession) Rules- 2021	For carrying out mining work after water level has come Rs. 5,00,000/-

¶139

¶140

	21.02.2024	of Uttar Pradesh Minor Minerals (Concession) Rules- 2021.
8	Mr. Bipendra Kumar Rajbhar, Mines Inspector 19.03.2024	Boundary pillars were not found maintained in the approved area, which is a violation of Rule-36 (1) violation of Uttar Pradesh Minor Minerals (Concession) Rules- 2021, Carrying out mining work even after water level has risen is a violation of Rule-42 (h)(1) of violation of Uttar Pradesh Minor Minerals (Concession) Rules- 2021	Letter No. 436/Khanij/kha. pa./Urauli 2024 dated 04.04.2024	violation of Rules- 2021 Rules-60 (3) and (4) of Uttar Pradesh Minor Minerals (Concession)	For not maintaining boundary pillars Rs.- 25,000/-For carrying out mining work after water level has risen Rs.- 5,00,000/-
9	Mr. Bipendra Kumar Rajbhar, Mines Inspector and then Mr. Saurabh Gupta Mining Officer 30.03.2024	Due to illegal mining of total quantity of 644.80 cubic meter sand/morrum outside the approved area, there is violation of Rule-3, 58, 72 of Uttar Pradesh Minor Minerals (Concession) Rules- 2021	Letter No. 435/Khanij/kha. pa./Urauli 2024 dated 04.04.2024	violation of Rules-3, 58, 72 of Uttar Pradesh Minor Minerals (Concession) Rules- 2021	Royalty and Mineral Value Rs.- 5,80,320/- Penalty Rs.- 5,00,000/-
				Total	1,02, 34,420/-

¶141

According to the UPMDSS portal, online notices were issued as per the following details, in respect of which the lessee did not deposit any amount nor did he submit any reply, the details of which are following :

¶142

Sno	Item	Details
	Description	Lease ID	No. of volume mismatch notices	No. of notices without E- MM-11	Outstanding amount of volume mismatch notices	Outstanding amount of notices without E- MM-11
1	2	3	4	5	6	7
1	Online notice of	314322070126	25	143	107793	3850000/-
	volume mismatch and without E-MM- 11 on UPMDSS Portal	314323070179	12	401	73530/-	10075000/-
		Total	37	544	181323/-	13925000/-
Gran	d Total(Column No	. 6 & 7)			1410	6323/-

¶143

¶144

Due to the above violations and non-payment of dues, the District Magistrate, under the powers conferred in Rule-59 of the Uttar Pradesh Minor Mineral (Concession) Rules-2021, has vide order no. 1054/Mineral/Kh.P./Urauli/2024 dated 11.07.2024 cancelled the mining lease.

¶145

After the cancellation of the mining lease, due to non payment of dues and charges in the time given, recovery certificate No.1525/KHANIJ/Kh.P./recovery certificate letter Urauli/ 2024 dated 08.11.2024 has been issued.

¶146

5. That the deponent undertakes before this Hon'ble Tribunal that all earnest efforts are being undertaken within State of Uttar Pradesh to ensure that the mining operations are strictly carried out by the lease holders/project proponents in accordance with the UP Minor Mineral Concessions Rules and the Environment norms are duly followed. Further the State Government undertakes before this Hon'ble Tribunal that it will leave no stone unturned in ensuring that prompt and strict penal action is taken as per the provision of law against any person involved in illegal mining/transportation.

¶147

Respondent no. 6 did not file any additional reply in terms of order dated 21.01.2025 and learned Counsel for respondent no.6 referred to and subsequently produced copy of order dated 09.05.2025 passed by Hon’ble Allahabad High Court in Writ (C) No.14718/2025 directing the Commissioner, Prayagraj Division, Prayagraj to dispose of Stay Application within a period of three weeks.

¶148

None appeared for the applicant in the course of hearing of the application and none has appeared for the applicant even today.

¶149

We have heard learned counsels for the respondents and gone through the material on record carefully.

¶150

The applicant raised the grievances regarding sand mining by respondent no. 6 in violation of EC and consent conditions and environmental norms.

¶151

In its report dated 16.10.2024, the Joint Committee mentioned that the mining lease in respect of area measuring 50 hectares was granted to respondent no. 7 for 05 years for the period from 07.05.2022 to 06.05.2027. EC dated 02.05.2022 was granted by U.P. SEIAA and

¶152

¶153

CTO/CTE dated 16.02.2023 was granted by UPPCB valid from 16.02.2023 to 31.12.2024.

¶154

Vide his Letter No. 1054/ Mines/ Kha. Pa./Urauli/ 2024, dated 11.07.2024, the District Magistrate, Fatehpur imposed a total penalty of Rs. 2,43,40,743/- on the Project Proponent for violation of U.P. Minor Mineral (Concession) Rules 2021, illegal sand mining and transportation.

¶155

Respondent no. 6 filed Civil Writ Petition No. 26843 of 2024 before Hon’ble Allahabad High Court challenging order dated 11.07.2024 passed by District Magistrate, Fatehpur regarding demand of DMF amount which was disposed of by Hon’ble Allahabad High Court vide order dated 28.08.2024 in terms of order dated 17.05.2023 passed in Writ-C No. 16647 of 2020.

¶156

Respondent no. 6 also filed Writ (C) No. 147118 of 2025 before Hon’ble Allahabad High Court seeking issuance of writ order/ direction in the nature of mandamus to the Commissioner, Prayagraj Mandal to decide the appeal no. 562 of 2025 which was disposed of vide order dated 09.05.2025 with a direction to the Commissioner, Prayagraj Mandal, Prayagraj to consider and dispose of the stay application filed by the petitioner positively within a period of 3 weeks with further direction that no coercive steps be taken against the petitioner till the disposal of the stay application. Liberty was given to the Commissioner to decide the appeal on its merits within the specified period. The appeal is pending before the Commissioner Prayagraj Mandal, Prayagraj.

¶157

The District Magistrate, Fatehpur, vide order no. 1054/Mineral/Kh.P./Urauli/2024 dated 11.07.2024, cancelled the mining lease under the powers conferred under Rule-59 of the Uttar Pradesh Minor Mineral (Concession) Rules-2021,

¶158

¶159

Respondent no. 6 has filed Writ (C) No. 30668 of 2024 before Hon’ble Allahabad High Court against order dated 11.07.2024 passed by the District Magistrate, Fatehpur cancelling lease granted to respondent no. 6 which is pending for disposal.

¶160

UPPCB has vide its letter Ref. No. H18875/C-2/Vayu-356/24, dated 21.10.2024 has in-effectuated/revoked the Consent to Operate (CTO) dated 16.02.2023 issued in favour of the project proponent i.e. M/s R. B. Enterprises, Fatehpur till further orders with direction to stop the mining activities. Vide order dated 11.11.2024, UPPCB has also imposed EC amounting to Rs. 1,37,82,600/- on respondent no. 6 for past violations and UPPCB has also initiated proceedings for recovery of the same.

¶161

In these facts and circumstances, no further action is required to be taken by this Tribunal at this stage and the present original application is disposed of accordingly.

¶162

Interim order dated 16.12.2024 qua directions contained in para 6 thereof is vacated with the observations that any action with respect to the mining in the mining site in question will be subject to orders of the Hon’ble Allahabad High Court in Writ (C) No. 30668 of 2024.

¶163

Arun Kumar Tyagi, JM

¶164

Dr. Afroz Ahmad, EM

¶165

August 26^th , 2025 Original Application No. 959/2024 AB

¶166

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