Indian State Tamil Nadu’s judiciary fights a losing battle against illegal mining

A series of PILs and other petitions before the Madurai Bench of the Madras High Court and in other judicial forums—against illegal mining of natural resources such as river sand, beach sand, gravel, and red soil in the southern, central, and western districts of Tamil Nadu—has revealed how the State bureaucracy is closely linked to the mining mafia. 

The judiciary has often come down heavily on top officials, including District Collectors, revenue, and mining officials, and has reprimanded them. Collectors were criticised for their failure to control illegal miners, and erring officials were either suspended or transferred if allegations against them were proven. More frequently, collectors were required to appear before the court to explain their inability to curb illegal mining or to account for not obeying the court’s directions. They were also warned of serious consequences.