In concerning the issue of illegal coal mining in Meghalaya, the Supreme Court has requested the State government to respond to the Central government's plea. The plea was filed against the Meghalaya High Court's directive to deploy the Central Industrial Security Forces (CISF) for addressing the rampant problem of illegal mining.

The bench comprising Chief Justice of India DY Chandrachud and Justice PS Narasimha issued a notice in response to the Central government's plea, which challenged three interim orders issued by the Meghalaya High Court.

Earlier this year in February, the High Court had ordered the deployment of Central Armed Police Forces (CAPF) to monitor and prevent illegal coal mining activities. Subsequently, the Court directed the Union Home Ministry to indicate its preparedness to deploy 10 companies of the CISF for monitoring roads and curbing the transportation of illicitly mined coal.

However, when the CISF expressed its unwillingness to undertake the task, a bench headed by High Court Chief Justice Sanjib Banerjee reaffirmed the binding nature of the Court's directions on April 12. The bench then requested the Ministry to deploy the CAPF as originally ordered.

The Meghalaya High Court has been handling various public interest litigation (PIL) petitions, including a suo motu case, highlighting concerns over illegal coal mining and unauthorized coke plants operating in the state.

Recently, the High Court observed that the State government had made insufficient efforts to combat illegal coal mining and the subsequent transportation of coal to unauthorized coke plants. The Court had previously emphasized the need for a thorough investigation into the matter, devoid of any political agenda.

In March 2022, the Court also noted that such illegal activities were being facilitated with the complicity of local authorities.

Furthermore, earlier this month, the High Court suggested that the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) might need to intervene and look into the issue.

With the Supreme Court now seeking the State government's response, the matter is expected to undergo further scrutiny, potentially paving the way for more concrete actions to address the persistent problem of illegal coal mining in Meghalaya.