On Tuesday, a Full Bench of three judges of the Madras High Court declared that police personal now have the full authority to seize vehicles of illegal mining under the Mines and Minerals (Development and Regulation) Act of 1957.
Justices G.R Swaminathan, M. Dhandapani and K. Murali Shankar clarified that Police personnel were also included in the term “authorised officer” that is mentioned in the Section 21(4), 22 and 23-A of the 1957 Mines and Minerals Act.
The Bench of Judges also suggested some amendments of certain sections and rules of the act keeping in view the environment and the state.
It was also suggested to the Additional Chief Secretary of Natural Resources Department that they could ask for opinions of the Commissioner and Directorate of Geology and Mining to make some crucial amendments under the MMDR Act.
Written by Disha Hatikakoty, Maitreyi College, University of Delhi, Intern under Legal Vidhiya.
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