Shillong, January 28: Justice BP Katakey (retired), appointed by the Meghalaya High Court to oversee coal transportation, has advised the coal audit committee to submit a detailed status report on the sources of coal within a fortnight.
“I have advised that coal audit committee to submit the status report relating the source of coal within a fortnight,” Justice BP Katakey (retired) said after chairing a meeting on coal mining in Shillong.
Referring to his earlier directives, Justice Katakey emphasized the need to audit the coal sources for coke industries, ferroalloy plants, and the power generation units of cement companies. He pointed out that during his tenure with the National Green Tribunal (NGT) committee; he had submitted a report in 2020 indicating that certain cement companies were engaged in illegal coal procurement without paying the required dues. He also recommended the realization of approximately ₹400 crore from these companies, a matter currently pending before the NGT and challenged in the Supreme Court.
“In my previous proceedings, I had directed the government to ensure an audit of the coal sources for coke industries, ferroalloy plants, and the power generation units of cement companies,” Justice Katakey stated.
“When I was part of the NGT committee in 2020, I submitted a report finding that certain cement companies were involved in illegal coal procurement, fulfilling their coal requirements from unlawful sources without paying dues. I also recommended the recovery of ₹400 crore from these companies. This recommendation has been challenged in the Supreme Court, and the matter remains pending before the NGT,” he added.
Justice Katakey further stated, “A few coke-based industries have come forward and agreed to pay the required GST for the coal they have already utilized from illegal sources. As for cement companies, some have requested additional time, while the coal audit committee continues issuing notices to them, asking for documentary proof to support their claims.”