Calcutta High Court has ordered Indian Railways to inspect land in Birbhum where nearly 200,000 tonnes of black stone may have been extracted without full legal clearance. This is reported by the railway transport news portal Railway Supply.

The directive came after a stone crushing unit filed a contempt petition, alleging the railways failed to supply rakes despite royalty payments. Justice Amrita Sinha demanded immediate verification of extraction legality on railway-owned sites in Rajgram and Murarai.

Calcutta High Court Orders Railways to Inspect Stone Land
Source, photo: infra.economictimes.indiatimes.com

A February joint inspection by railways, the BDO, and land officials revealed approximately 2 lakh tonnes of black stone removed from government-owned land. This prompted concerns about regulatory compliance.

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Calcutta High Court Investigates Birbhum Land Dispute

The court emphasized the need for clarity on whether extraction was sanctioned and fully paid for. Officials must now determine if the stone was mined with proper authorization and royalty settlements.

The stone company involved claims it followed all protocols, but its logistics were blocked. Without rake access, delivery of stone chips stalled, creating financial losses and operational disruption.

Calcutta High Court Highlights Regulatory Oversight

Calcutta High Court’s move spotlights broader issues in resource governance and public land usage. The court expects railways to file an inspection report and confirm any violations or irregularities.

This legal action may set a precedent for resolving disputes between government agencies and private operators over mineral extraction on public land. The court stressed the importance of transparent processes and fair business practices.

Railway authorities face growing scrutiny. Both state and central stakeholders must now ensure legal, efficient use of natural resources tied to infrastructure development.

Source, photo: infra.economictimes.indiatimes.com

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