Supreme Court Warns of False Affidavits in Chambal Illegal Sand Mining Case, Issues Sweeping Directions to States

May 26, 2026 : The Supreme Court on Tuesday expressed serious concern over the continued illegal sand mining activities in the National Chambal Gharial Sanctuary and observed that false affidavits may have been filed before the Court if recent media reports alleging ongoing mining operations despite previous judicial directions were accurate.

A Bench comprising Justice Vikram Nath and Justice Sandeep Mehta was hearing suo motu proceedings concerning illegal mining in the Chambal sanctuary region after Amicus Curiae Nikhil Goel placed before the Court a Hindustan Times report alleging that illegal sand mining continued unabated despite earlier Supreme Court orders.

Taking note of the allegations, the Bench observed that if the contents of the report were found to be true, the concerned authorities may have submitted incorrect affidavits regarding compliance with the Court’s previous directions. The Court accordingly directed the State of Madhya Pradesh to file a fresh affidavit responding specifically to the media report.

Invoking its powers under Article 142 of the Constitution, the Court issued a series of directions aimed at strengthening enforcement, surveillance and ecological protection in the sanctuary area. The States of Rajasthan, Madhya Pradesh and Uttar Pradesh were directed to immediately augment enforcement capacity in their forest departments by filling vacancies for forest guards and other frontline personnel engaged in patrolling and wildlife protection. The Court directed that recruitment processes be completed, as far as practicable, within one year.

The Chief Secretaries of all three States were further directed to file affidavits detailing existing vacancies and the steps being taken to fill them. To strengthen monitoring mechanisms, the Court also directed establishment and operationalisation of surveillance infrastructure including CCTV systems, integrated monitoring centres and allied technological facilities within six months, as far as practicable.

The Bench ordered stringent enforcement action against illegal mining and transportation activities, directing immediate interception, seizure and confiscation of vehicles and machinery operating without valid registration particulars, using fake or tampered number plates, or otherwise violating the Motor Vehicles Act and allied rules.

The Court further directed initiation of criminal proceedings not only against drivers but also against owners, financiers, contractors, operators and all persons connected with organised illegal mining activities under the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita, the Mines and Minerals (Development and Regulation) Act, the Motor Vehicles Act and other applicable laws. Authorities were also directed to maintain detailed records relating to seizure operations, ownership details, prior violations and criminal antecedents to facilitate coordinated investigation and prosecution.

Recognising the risks faced by enforcement personnel, the Court directed the States to examine the necessity of issuing notifications under Section 218(3) of the Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita, 2023 to extend legal protection to forest guards and officials acting bona fide during anti-illegal mining and wildlife protection operations.

Specific directions were also issued to the National Highways Authority of India for installation of high-resolution night-vision CCTV cameras on the NH-44 bridge near the Morena-Dholpur border. The Court directed that surveillance coverage should extend up to one kilometre upstream and 500 metres downstream to monitor vulnerable stretches of the Chambal River and detect illegal excavation activities near the bridge infrastructure.

The Court further ordered that live CCTV feed access be provided to police authorities, forest departments and other enforcement agencies for coordinated monitoring and action. Surveillance systems are to remain operational round-the-clock with adequate storage and backup facilities for preserving footage.

Additionally, NHAI and the concerned State authorities were directed to take immediate steps to prevent dumping of debris, waste and other materials into the Chambal River and to install tamper-proof fencing, protective mesh and other structures around vulnerable locations to prevent ecological degradation.

Addressing the socio-economic aspects of illegal mining, the Court directed the States to examine the feasibility of introducing livelihood generation schemes, skill development programmes and employment initiatives for local communities residing in affected regions. The States were also asked to explore involving local residents in conservation, afforestation, eco-tourism and surveillance support activities to reduce economic dependence on illegal mining.

The Chief Secretaries of Rajasthan, Madhya Pradesh and Uttar Pradesh were directed to periodically review compliance with the Court’s directions and place status reports on record. The matter is scheduled for further hearing on July 22.