Vehicle Used in Illegal Mining Seized Despite Ongoing Criminal Case, Court Rules

On a recent hearing, a district court ordered the seizure of a truck that had been employed in illegal mining operations. The decision followed a petition filed by the state mining department seeking to curb unauthorised extraction of forest resources. The court clarified that the confiscation of the vehicle is a civil remedial measure and can be executed irrespective of any criminal case pending against its owners, allowing authorities to immobilise assets used in unlawful activities while the trial proceeds. Officials from the mining department said the vehicle was identified through satellite imagery and on‑ground verification as being used to transport illegally extracted ore, and the seizure is expected to deter similar operations and protect the environment. Legal experts noted that such independent confiscations are common under the Prevention of Illegal Mining Act, enabling swift action without waiting for a criminal conviction.