HC-appointed IAS officer seeks clarification on mining probe

Senior IAS Officer U Sagayam, chosen by the Madras High Court to probe alleged irregularities in granite quarrying, has filed a petition seeking clarifications on the terms of reference as to whether his work should cover entire Tamil Nadu and all forms of mining.
"I wish to know whether as per the order of the high court, I am required to inspect and report about mining of all major and minor minerals in the entire state or should I confine the inspection to granite mining in Madurai district alone," said Sagayam in his petition seeking clrifications.
A bench comprising Chief Justice Sanjay Kishan Kaul and Justice M Sathyanarayanan had on September 11 named Sagayam as special officer/legal commissioner to probe mining leases issued by government and "violations" by permit-holders.

The order, however, did not mention whether the term mining would mean all forms of sand and granite mining and whether it was for the entire state.
Sagayam as the then Madurai Distrit Collecto had pegged loss to the state exchequer on account of irregularities in granite mining at Rs 16,000 crore.
The government, which opposed appointment of Sagayam, issued necessary orders and announced support infrastructure, including manpower, for the probe after a rap by the court.

On October 7, Sagayam wanted all 32 district collectors in the state to be directed to keep all records pertaining to all mining activities ready.

As only the Madurai District collector had been issued necessary directions, Sagayam filed the present petition.
"Unless the September 11 order and the terms of reference are clarified, I might fall short in the discharge of my duties," he submitted.
Sagayam also wanted the court's permission to have his chosen set of officers to assist him in the probe.
"Considering the onerous task that is to be undertaken, it would be appropriate if I have the discretion to select the officers of my choice for effective completion of the said task within the stipulated time," he said.
Sagayam said he had so far received 42 petitions from people of 16 districts.

The matter is expected to be taken up for hearing tomorrow. Friday.