Coal Dust Pollution: Chief Justice Slams SECL, Says “This Is Like Saying We Sell Liquor, What Happens After That Is Not Our Concern”

Raipur
During a hearing on Wednesday regarding public grievances caused by coal dust generated during coal transportation by SECL (South Eastern Coalfields Limited), Chief Justice Ramesh Sinha made sharp remarks against SECL’s operational approach. Taking strong exception to SECL’s stance, he said, “SECL’s attitude seems to be: we sell coal, what happens during transport is not our concern. That’s like a liquor seller saying—‘We sell liquor, what happens after drinking is not our responsibility.’”

The case was heard by the division bench of Chief Justice Ramesh Sinha and Justice Ravindra Agrawal. The Court not only issued key directions but also asked SECL to file a fresh affidavit.

Previously, the court had instructed SECL to submit an affidavit. During the hearing, the Chief Justice stated, “You may run your plant, no one stops you. But that doesn’t mean people should die of asthma, or that people can’t walk due to muddy roads and potholes, or that accidents should occur. Don’t adopt such an attitude.” The Court expressed dissatisfaction with the affidavit and response filed by SECL.

“You Cannot Evade Responsibility”: High Court

SECL had submitted that it only produces coal from the mines, and the transportation is handled by purchasers. Reacting to this, the Chief Justice said, “You cannot escape your responsibilities by simply saying transport is the buyer’s job. SECL and other companies like NTPC should certainly contribute to the country’s development, but not at the cost of public health and safety.”

Highlighting the poor road conditions due to overloaded 18-wheeler trucks, the Chief Justice said, “Roads have collapsed, and there are over 25 potholes in a 5-kilometre stretch—we can show them to you. You can’t claim you’re only responsible for production. If that’s the case, we’ll stop transportation entirely and you can keep your coal. You are the manufacturer—it is your responsibility, not just the transporter’s.”

Strict Directions Issued

SECL’s counsel argued that all regulations are being followed in the mining area. To this, the Chief Justice retorted, “What compliance? There was a murder in the mining area just recently. You yourself appeared in court to oppose that case yesterday. The conflict among transporters over who gets to load coal first has resulted in an FIR against 15 people. This was direct murder—and you claim your job is only coal extraction. Don’t say that.”

The Chief Justice reminded SECL of its broader responsibilities, saying, “You have high-level consultants and earn huge profits. But you must also care for the health and safety of citizens.” Issuing firm instructions, the Court ordered that no vehicle should be allowed to leave without covering the coal load. Photographic evidence must be provided, and the highway patrolling team will inspect compliance. If coal is transported uncovered, the transporter’s agreement and registration should be cancelled.

The Chief Justice concluded by stating that enforcement will be strict, with full deployment of personnel, and also directed SECL to submit a fresh affidavit.