Supreme Court rejects JP Ventures’ plea to waive Rs 18 crore fine for illegal sand mining 

The Capital News 
The Supreme Court has rejected the plea by JP Ventures seeking relief from the Rs 18 crore fine imposed by the National Green Tribunal (NGT) for illegal sand mining activities in Andhra Pradesh. The apex court has deferred the hearing on the broader issue of illegal sand mining to August 31, and has directed the Central Environment, Forest ministry and State Government to file additional affidavits for further examination.

The Supreme Bench stated that it will scrutinize the affidavit filed by the Andhra Pradesh government on July 30 before issuing further orders. In its submission, the Andhra Pradesh government argued that evidence of illegal sand mining had been erased due to recent floods and requested a period of three months to conduct a scientific investigation and provide a comprehensive report.

Advocate Hujefa Ahmadi, representing the State government, also brought to the court’s notice the suspension of former Andhra Pradesh Mineral Development Corporation (APMDC) managing director Venkata Reddy. The Central Committee has requested additional time to study illegal sand mining activities across eight districts