The Andhra Pradesh High Court has directed the state government to present before the court the steps taken against those involved in illegal sand mining.  Following the petition filed by duo in Guntur district, the High Court gave this order. 

The bench comprising Chief Justice Madan B Lokur and Justice P V Sanjay Kumar observed that a few contractors dug up to 20 lakh cubic metres, which is illegal.  Most of these  sand contractors didn’t even pay the required fee to  the state in order to carry on this action, mentioned the bench.  Meanwhile, the advocate general has prayed Court to lift the stay on the sand auctioning. 

It has turned down the arguments of the government that prices are being raise due to halt to sand digging.  In turn it ordered the state to submit the details of those who obtained tenders under someone else’s name.  The Court has also told the government to follow the stories being published and aired in the media against illegal mining and take start necessary inquiry and investigations on illegal sand mining. 

The advocate general, to make a point, has told the Court that illegal contractors are being fined and if such cases come to light in future, the fine would be ten times more.  Stating these points, the advocate general has asked the Court to lift the stay. (Phani)