Director, Joint Directors, Deputy Directors and District-Level Officers Authorised to Initiate Legal Proceedings; Officials Conducting Inspections Can Also Report Violations
Srinagar, October 13 :
The Government of Jammu and Kashmir has authorised designated officers of the Geology and Mining Department to file written complaints directly before designated Special Courts against offences related to illegal mining, storage and transportation of minerals.
According to a notification issued by the Mining Department on October 12, 2026, under Rule 83 of the Jammu and Kashmir Minor Mineral Concession, Storage, Transportation and Prevention of Illegal Mining Rules, 2016, the government has empowered senior and district-level officers to initiate legal proceedings within their respective jurisdictions.
The notification, issued by the Civil Secretariat, Jammu and Kashmir, authorises the Director, Geology and Mining, J&K, to file complaints across the Union Territory. The Director will also exercise jurisdiction in districts where the officer posted as District Mineral Officer is below the rank of Assistant Mineral Officer.
Joint Directors of the department have been authorised to act within their respective divisions, while Deputy Directors can file complaints within their designated jurisdictions.
Additionally, officers of the Geology and Mining Department posted in districts at or above the rank of Assistant Mineral Officer have been empowered to initiate complaints within their respective districts.
Officials Detecting Violations During Inspections Also Empowered
In a further step to strengthen enforcement, the notification provides that any officer not below the rank of Assistant Mineral Officer who detects an illegal activity or violation during an inspection in any district may also file a complaint before the competent Special Court having jurisdiction over the offence.
The move is aimed at facilitating direct legal action against violations of mining regulations and strengthening enforcement against illegal extraction, storage and transportation of minerals across Jammu and Kashmir.
The notification has been issued by order of the Lieutenant Governor of Jammu and Kashmir and signed by Ashwani Kumar, IAS, Financial Commissioner (Additional Chief Secretary), Mining Department.
The order, bearing number GM-MNG/359/2025-0 and dated October 12, 2026, refers to Special Courts designated under Government Notification S.O. 302 of 2025, dated November 27, 2025.
The notification has been circulated to senior government functionaries, the Director General of Police, divisional commissioners, deputy commissioners and other concerned departments and officers for information and necessary action.(KNC)