“No Hope If Home Minister Also Helpless”: Karnataka HC Takes Suo Motu Cognisance of Illegal Sand Mining

The Karnataka High Court has taken suo motu cognisance of rampant illegal sand mining in the State, observing that the situation is grim if even the Home Minister feels helpless in curbing the activity.

Triggered by media reports and the Home Minister’s admission in the Legislative Assembly, the Court noted that powerful interests across party lines appear to be involved.

A Division Bench remarked that the issue may require a court-monitored probe by a central agency or a Special Investigation Team.

The Court also flagged environmental damage, threats to whistleblowers, public safety risks, and the failure of enforcement mechanisms meant to control illegal mining.