Crushed stone or dust comes under purview of mineral: HC

: Madras High Court has ruled that crushed stone or dust comes under the purview of minerals and directed the authorities concerned to issue directions for strict enforcement of rules.
Dismissing a writ petition filed by a Pollachi-based firm, Justice S Manikumar said crushed stone or crushed dust falls under the definition of mineral.
Nankachi Enterprise had sought a directive to the government not to prevent them from transporting the crushing dust from Tamil Nadu to Kerala and other states.They contended they purchase the dust from mineral companies which is treated as waste for use as filler instead of sand as it is cheaper.

They said they usually purchase the dust from quarries and despatch it in Tamil Nadu and other states. Of late authorities at checkposts were detaining consignments saying that the dust is a Mineral. Hence the writ petition.
Justice Manikumar observed that the contention of the petitioner would definitely defeat the intention of the legislation.
He said the word 'Stone' as explained in the Tamil Nadu Minor minerals concession Rules conveyed the legislative policy that stone in whatever form or size or crushed, is still stone.
If the petitioner's contention was accepted, it would not bring harmony in the rule and would be subjected to misuse.Any other interpretation to the above would result in absurdity, he said.

The judge said the petitioner's contention is untenable and directed the Department of Geology and Mining, Industries Department, to issue appropriate directions to all Collectors and Authorities under the Mines and Minerals Department for strict enforcement of mining rules.