Taking cognisance of Home Minister G. Parameshwara’s statement that he was “helpless” in taking action against illegal sand mining due to “involvement of many influential persons”, the High Court of Karnataka has said that the issue of illegal sand mining now requires a court-monitored probe by a Central agency or a specially-constituted agency, or a Special Investigation Team.
“If the Home Minister of the State feels helpless in taking action to curb the illegal sand mining by mafias, there cannot be any hope that the said illegal activity of sand mining in the State can be curbed by the State machinery,” the court observed in its order.
A Division Bench, comprising Justice D.K. Singh and Justice Tara Vitasta Ganju, passed the order while suo motu initiating a PIL petition based on Dr. Parameshwar’s January 27 statement, made on the floor of the Legislative Assembly, reported in newspapers on January 28.
The Bench took note of the Home Minister’s reported statement: “Illegal sand mining is a big racket. I am not giving any explanation or naming anyone, as it is a little embarrassing. I have given only a restricted answer, but it involves many influential people. I will call a meeting to discuss the issue.”
It was reported in the newspapers that bids for extraction of sand were invited but they were not opened yet. Many big sharks do not want the extraction legalised, as legalised extraction would impact the sand mafia.
Dr. Parameshwara had made the statements while responding to a question on illegal sand mining raised by Devagurga MLA Karemma Naik, who had complained on the floor of the Assembly about the threat to her life from the sand mafias.
While ordering issue of notice to the State government, the Bench asked the registry to place the petition before the Chief Justice for assigning it before an appropriate Bench for hearing.
Published – January 30, 2026 11:08 pm IST
