Punjab & Haryana High Court Denies Bail in Illegal Mining, Cites Environment Comes First

The Punjab & Haryana High Court denied anticipatory bail to a man accused of illegal sand mining in the Satluj River, stressing that humanity has suffered enough environmental damage.

The case involved offences under Section 303(2) of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita, 2023, and Section 21 of the Mines and Minerals (Development and Regulation) Act.

A JCB machine involved in illegal mining was seized by the police and was registered in the petitioner's name; he claimed it was for Gram Panchayat-sanctioned earthwork.

The Court rejected the argument, questioning the authenticity of the Gram Panchayat resolution and finding no merit in the anticipatory bail plea, and dismissed the petition.