Supreme Court New Delhi: Supreme Court has expressed concern over powerful sand mafias operating in the country and said the states were virtually abdicating their constitutional responsibility to tackle the menace. The apex court said preventive detention could be invoked against the mafia. A bench of Justices Vikram Nath and Sandeep Mehta on Friday passed a slew of directions to MP, UP and Rajasthan, including installation of high-resolution, wi-fi enabled CCTV cameras on all routes frequently used for illegal sand mining and monitoring of footage round the-clock, besides confiscation of vehicles and pointing to the reluctance of states to act against sand mafia, the court said it would be forced to deploy paramilitary forces in those areas and would also impose a complete ban on sand mining in these states. “It is indeed a matter of grave and serious concern that state authorities, who are entrusted with the solemn duty of enforcing the rule of law and protecting public resources, appear to have abdicated, if not altogether abandoned, their statutory and constitutional responsibilities. The circumstances, taken as a whole, may even warrant an inference of tacit connivance. The material placed before us discloses a disturbing pattern of inaction and administrative indifference, despite the issue having been repeatedly highlighted before various fora,” the bench said. “Having regard to the magnitude and seriousness of the issues involved in the present matter, as well as the prima facie lackadaisical approach adopted by the states concerned, this court cannot remain a silent spectator,” the court said. “The lackadaisical response of states in the proceedings before the National Green Tribunal gives rise to a genuine apprehension in our mind regarding the very intent of state govts to act as the protectors of environment. The statutory framework is well-armed to deal with mining mafias but apparently the administrative authorities are dragging their feet, for reasons which are not difficult to discern. We feel that under such grave circumstances, the state govts concerned would be well advised to invoke the provisions relating to preventive detention, seizure and confiscation of immovable properties and machinery, and to undertake effective and stringent prosecutions, so as to bring the offenders to book and ensure protection of the environment,” the bench said. The court noted that there were cases where state govt officials were killed by sand mafia, which reflected a systemic and institutional failure to discharge state’s obligations under law. “Such apathy, particularly in the face of escalating environmental degradation and threats to human life, is both indefensible and wholly unacceptable in a constitutional democracy governed by the rule of law,” it said.End of ArticleFollow Us On Social MediaVideosModi Govt’s Women Quota Bill Crashes In Lok Sabha, Fails 2/3 Majority TestSad Day For Women’: Priyanka Chaturvedi Breaks With INDIA Bloc In Lok Sabha RowNo Nari Shakti! Women’s Bill Fails Lok Sabha Test, Protest Erupt | ‘Women Won’t Forgive’Trump’s Expected Pakistan Visit May Include Kashmir Talks, Report Fuels SpeculationStrait of Hormuz Open: What Iran’s Move Means for India Amid Ceasefire TensionsDelimitation Debate: Data Shows Hindi Belt’s Lok Sabha Share Fell More Than South Since 1951Amit Shah Targets Congress, Backs Women’s Quota And Delimitation PushHeated Exchange In Parliament As Rahul, Rijiju Spar Over Women’s Reservation BillUnmanned Fighters Set To Take The Lead In Aerial Combat, CATS Warrior To Lead Change For IndiaWomen’s Bill: Rahul Gandhi Accuses BJP Of Trying To Change Electoral Map, Takes ‘No Wife’ Jibe At PM123Photostories8 beautiful short baby girl names that mean grace and elegance6 markets that define the soul of Himachal PradeshGoa’s 5 posh localities for luxury living and real estate investment in 2026Struggling to stay consistent? These 5 workout quotes for women can change how you see fitnessWeekend binge eating vs daily overeating: Which is more harmful to your liver?Top 7 South Mumbai’s high-end neighbourhoods shaping India’s luxury real estateSmriti Irani indulges in authentic Bengali sweets: 8 traditional sweets of Bengal you need to try during summer10 delicious banana desserts you can easily make in minutesRed Banana vs Yellow Banana: Which is healthier? Full nutrition comparison of taste, benefits, and daily useForget wheat flour and try these traditional dishes made with rice flour123Hot PicksIran warDelimitation Bill DefeatPurple cap winnerOrange cap winnerIPL Points TablePublic holidays April 2026Bank Holidays AprilTop TrendingNashik TCSAmir HamzaAnti-Islam influencerStrait of HormuzSue BirdIce SpicePahalgam Pony Wallah StoryWomen Quota BillE Coli Smuggling CaseErika Kirk Event
New Delhi: Supreme Court has expressed concern over powerful sand mafias operating in the country and said the states were virtually abdicating their constitutional responsibility to tackle the menace. The apex court said preventive detention could be invoked against the mafia. A bench of Justices Vikram Nath and Sandeep Mehta on Friday passed a slew of directions to MP, UP and Rajasthan, including installation of high-resolution, wi-fi enabled CCTV cameras on all routes frequently used for illegal sand mining and monitoring of footage round the-clock, besides confiscation of vehicles and pointing to the reluctance of states to act against sand mafia, the court said it would be forced to deploy paramilitary forces in those areas and would also impose a complete ban on sand mining in these states. “It is indeed a matter of grave and serious concern that state authorities, who are entrusted with the solemn duty of enforcing the rule of law and protecting public resources, appear to have abdicated, if not altogether abandoned, their statutory and constitutional responsibilities. The circumstances, taken as a whole, may even warrant an inference of tacit connivance. The material placed before us discloses a disturbing pattern of inaction and administrative indifference, despite the issue having been repeatedly highlighted before various fora,” the bench said. “Having regard to the magnitude and seriousness of the issues involved in the present matter, as well as the prima facie lackadaisical approach adopted by the states concerned, this court cannot remain a silent spectator,” the court said. “The lackadaisical response of states in the proceedings before the National Green Tribunal gives rise to a genuine apprehension in our mind regarding the very intent of state govts to act as the protectors of environment. The statutory framework is well-armed to deal with mining mafias but apparently the administrative authorities are dragging their feet, for reasons which are not difficult to discern. We feel that under such grave circumstances, the state govts concerned would be well advised to invoke the provisions relating to preventive detention, seizure and confiscation of immovable properties and machinery, and to undertake effective and stringent prosecutions, so as to bring the offenders to book and ensure protection of the environment,” the bench said. The court noted that there were cases where state govt officials were killed by sand mafia, which reflected a systemic and institutional failure to discharge state’s obligations under law. “Such apathy, particularly in the face of escalating environmental degradation and threats to human life, is both indefensible and wholly unacceptable in a constitutional democracy governed by the rule of law,” it said.
