In a significant development from Jabalpur, Madhya Pradesh, the district court has summoned the Station House Officers (SHOs) of 11 police stations due to their failure to comply with a previous court order related to illegal mining cases. The court, presided over by First Class Judicial Magistrate Sameer Kumar Mishra, expressed dissatisfaction with the SHOs for not registering FIRs in 69 instances of illegal mining despite clear judicial instructions.
During a hearing on May 15, 2024, the court noted non-compliance with its orders dating back to April 9, 2024, when a Poklain machine was seized for illegal mineral extraction near Amjhar Valley and stored at Khamariya police station. The district court had ordered FIRs to be registered against the responsible parties, but subsequent follow-ups revealed that 69 cases had been left unregistered.
The court has now asked the 11 SHOs to explain their inaction and suggested that contempt proceedings might be considered against them. The next hearing is scheduled for May 21, 2024. Additionally, copies of the order have been sent to the district collector and the Superintendent of Police to ensure higher-level oversight.
The court had also directed District Mineral Officer R.K Dixit to present a report on the actions taken. Despite these measures, a report from the Mineral Department highlighted ongoing failures in the registration of FIRs concerning illegal mining, transportation, and storage from April 1, 2023, to April 1, 2024. Out of 90 cases reported, actions were taken in only 21, leaving 69 unaddressed, prompting the current judicial scrutiny.
