The Meghalaya High Court on Wednesday heard a PIL pertaining to illegal transportation of coal, which has been illegally mined in the state.
The PIL was filed by one Champer M Sangma.
In its order, the Division Bench said the previous orders revealed that both the State of Meghalaya and the State of Assam have filed their affidavits.
It said the petitioner claimed that respondent No 14 is a kingpin.
The petitioner also pointed out that there is documentary evidence to show that though some coal has entered Meghalaya, an excess of about 40,000 MT of coal has left the state.
This, according to the petitioner, could not have happened unless there was illegal mining of coal and a network of transportation.
There is no doubt that the 14th respondent is interested in delaying matters.
The advocate representing the 14th respondent said that he has been engaged today.
The bench has directed the 14th respondent to file its affidavit dealing not only with the petition but also with the affidavits filed by the State of Meghalaya and the State of Assam within a week from the date.
The next hearing on the matter will be held on March 13.
