C. STEPHEN Vs. STATE OF TAMIL NADU

JUDGEMENT

(1.) W.P.(MD) No.5081 of 2019 has been filed seeking appropriate action against illicit mining operations affecting natural wealth, including minerals. W.P.(MD) No.17092 of 2020 has been filed for issuance of a Writ Mandamus to take action to prevent the transport of M-Sand, Rough Stone and Jally to Kerala and other States from the State of Tamil Nadu.

(2.) The case of the petitioner in W.P.(MD) No.5081 of 2019 is that in the District of Kanyakumari, illegal and illicit quarrying operations are taking place by removing rough stones in a rampant manner under the eyes of the official respondents. Despite representations given, no action is taken. After extracting rough stone and jally, they are being transported to the adjacent State of Kerala.

(3.) The case of the petitioner in W.P.(MD) No.17092 of 2020 is that the Parliament in its wisdom has categorised minerals into two viz., minor minerals and major minerals. The power to regulate minor minerals was delegated to the State Governments, while retaining the power with the Central Government regarding major minerals. Minor minerals are used mostly in local areas for local purposes and therefore, there is no question of transporting it from State to State.