At the beginning of this month, news emerged that the Meghalaya state government is exploring the termination of the service of Justice (Retd) BP Katakey appointed by the High Court of Meghalaya to monitor all aspects related to illegal coal mining.
Citing an official source, a Shillong Times report on March 7 said that ‘the government has already sought legal advice to file a plea in the high court to conclude the services of the one-man committee.’ The source, of course, was not named in the story. Interestingly, the Meghalaya Monitor did nearly the same story on March 2, citing unnamed sources.
Soon after this story emerged, political parties, especially those in the opposition in Meghalaya, got to work. BJP chief spokesperson Mariahom Kharkrang said the Katakey committee had been appointed by the High Court of Meghalaya, and it was imperative that the panel take the inquiry to its logical conclusion.
“As a party that advocates transparency in all walks of public life, BJP Meghalaya disagrees with the government’s reported move to end the service of Justice Katakey,” he said.
The Voice of People’s Party, which has gained ground in Meghalaya and especially in the Khasi region, joined the BJP in condemning the alleged move. The party called on the citizens to rise against what it describes as a “nefarious attempt” to undermine justice.
“It is quite offensive that the state government is attempting to remove Justice Katakey. This reveals once more the real nature of the MDA Government, which appears to be hostile to openness,” VPP spokesperson Batskhem Myrboh stated on Sunday, adding that “anyone who dares to hold the NPP-led MDA Government accountable appears to face its wrath.”
Not to be left behind, Civil Society Organisations also chimed in, saying that such a move would be disastrous for the state.
The Centre for Environment Protection and Rural Development (CEPARD), as an environmental protection group committed to justice and sustainability, expresses deep concern and disappointment over the Meghalaya government’s reported move to terminate the services of Justice (Retd.) BP Katakey. “This decision, if executed, will be a major blow to the rule of law and the pursuit of environmental justice in the state,” the Centre said, adding, “The reports submitted by Justice Katakey’s committee have provided undeniable proof that illegal coal mining and transportation continue unabated. Despite multiple assurances from the government, coal-related violations persist, leading to severe environmental degradation and loss of state revenue. The attempt to terminate the committee’s work is not only premature but also a clear attempt to suppress uncomfortable truths.”
But speaking with EastMojo, BP Katakey said, “I can’t comment on this. I have not been told anything by the courts.”
So if the Courts are not aware of Katakey’s removal, who is pushing for his exit?
Not the first time
This is not the first time that the committee, and not its work, have been in the news. In December 2019, Katakey resigned from the committee allegedly due to a lack of cooperation by the state government. However, Katakey insisted that his resignation was due on personal grounds.
Later, he was appointed by the Meghalaya High Court as per an order issued on April 19, 2022.
The order to appoint him was when the court was hearing PIL No 2 of 2022 in the suo motu case on the illegal mining of coal in Meghalaya to assess the extent to which the directions issued by the Supreme Court and NGT have been complied with.
Justice Katakey was also tasked with recommending measures for immediate implementation to ensure compliance with outstanding directions, including addressing the sale of coal under Coal India Limited’s aegis and ensuring that no unregulated or illegal coal mining, including rat-hole mining, takes place in the state.
Too expensive? Overlapping? Similar bodies?
According to news reports, the government, to strengthen its stand, has pointed at over Rs 65 lakh expenditure incurred on Katakey.
This, the sources add, includes Rs 44 lakh for his ad-hoc remuneration. Rs. 9 lakh for office expenses, and Rs 12.75 lakh for accommodation and hospitality.
Another reason cited by the government is the formation of an ‘Oversight Committee’ by NGT.
The NGT, through its order on March 15, 2021, constituted the 12-member oversight committee tasked with ensuring compliance with the Supreme Court judgment and subsequent NGT orders. The committee is also responsible for preventing unscientific and unregulated mining, handling already mined materials, and addressing issues related to the rejuvenation of contaminated rivers and streams.
According to government sources, there is an overlap of mandates of the High Court-appointed Katakey committee and the oversight committee by NGT and has led to redundancy and inefficiency.
Also Read: Truth vs hype: The shocking reality of Jal Jeevan Mission claims in Senapati
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