Chandigarh. A two‑judge bench of the Punjab and Haryana High Court has ordered the Punjab administration to act swiftly against suspected illegal mining operations identified at about 233 locations across the districts of Pathankot and Gurdaspur.
Immediate Enforcement Mandated
The order was delivered by a bench led by Chief Justice Ashwani Kumar Mishra and Justice Rohit Kapoor, who were hearing multiple petitions alleging extensive breaches of mining regulations in the two districts. The court referred to a Survey of India study dated 3 July 2026 that listed the 233 potential illegal sites.
Four‑Week Compliance Window
State officials have been granted a strict four‑week period to examine the report, pinpoint the parties involved, and launch appropriate enforcement actions. The judgment warns that any lapse could result in the investigation being handed over to an independent body, and officials who ignore the order may be held personally accountable.
"Failure to act will not be tolerated," the bench warned.
The government must present a comprehensive report of the measures taken before the next scheduled hearing.
Pending Mining Director Affidavit
During the hearing, the court noted that the Punjab Mining Director had not yet submitted the affidavit previously mandated. Accordingly, the bench directed that the affidavit be filed within 48 hours, with a copy forwarded to the petitioners’ counsel beforehand.
The matter is scheduled for further review on 16 November 2026, when the court will evaluate the state’s compliance and any actions taken by the relevant authorities.
