High Court Rejects JCB Owner’s Bail Plea in Illegal Mining Case
The Punjab and Haryana High Court on August 2, 2025, dismissed an anticipatory bail application filed by a JCB owner accused of illegal river mining. The court highlighted the gravity of the environmental damage caused.
The judges raised serious doubts about the authenticity of a gram panchayat resolution submitted by the petitioner in his defence. This resolution purportedly supported his mining activities.
While noting that no arrest had yet been made, the court deemed an arrest necessary given the severity of the environmental crime. The court’s decision underscores the increasing judicial scrutiny of illegal mining activities and their devastating impact on India’s vital water resources. This ruling sends a strong message to deter future environmental violations.
