MP: High Court Strict on Illegal Mining Near Forest Area in Raisen
Jabalpur: Taking serious note of alleged illegal mining activities in the area adjacent to the forest region in Raisen district, the Madhya Pradesh High Court has directed the authorities concerned to take immediate action. The division bench of Chief Justice Alpesh Y. Kogje and Justice Vivek Jain issued notices to the respondents and directed them to submit their replies within four weeks.
In the petition filed on behalf of petitioners Saurabh Patel and Ankit Patel, it was stated that illegal mining activities are ongoing in the area adjoining the forest zone in Raisen district by respondent Kalyan Singh Ahirwar. A report dated June 29, 2026, was submitted along with the petition. This report was issued under the signatures of the Flying Squad In-charge and Acting Deputy Range Forest Officer of Raisen. The report revealed mining activities being conducted near the forest area by the private respondent.
During the hearing of the petition, the state government questioned the intent behind the petition, alleging that the petitioners were attempting to serve private interests under the guise of a Public Interest Litigation (PIL). It was also argued on behalf of the state that the petitioners' father himself holds interests related to mining activities.
The bench observed in its order that alleged illegal mining activities taking place on forest land are a matter of concern. If such mining operations are being carried out in the forest zone, it is a serious issue and may constitute a violation of the terms of the concerned mining lease.
The bench directed the Mining Department and the Forest Department to halt the mining activities based on the report and to submit a detailed report during the next hearing. Advocate Ashish Rawat appeared on behalf of the petitioners.