DEEPAK KUMAR ETC. vs STATE OF HARYANA & ORS.ETC.

The Supreme Court addressed the legality of auction notices issued by the Department of Mines and Geology, Haryana, for minor mineral extraction, challenging their compliance with the EIA Notification dated 14.9.2006. The Court emphasized the need for Environmental Impact Assessments for mining activities, particularly in sensitive areas like the Shivalik hills, and highlighted concerns over illegal mining practices. The Court directed the Central Empowered Committee (CEC) to investigate and report on the environmental implications of the proposed mining activities, particularly regarding the fragmentation of mining areas and adherence to environmental regulations.