SC Sets Up Justice Dhulia-led Committee to Probe Illegal Mining, Forest Encroachments in AP
The Supreme Court appoints Justice Dhulia to chair committee on Obulapuram mining-forest land boundary dispute
The Supreme Court, on September 25, 2025, appointed a multi-member committee, to be chaired by former judge Justice Sudhanshu Dhulia, to resolve a critical dispute concerning the boundaries of a mining lease area and the reserved forest land in a matter arising out of allegations against Obulapuram Mining Company Private Limited and others.
A bench comprising Chief Justice of India B R Gavai and Justices K Vinod Chandran and N V Anjaria decided on the constitution of the committee, acting upon a suggestion made by senior advocate Sidharth Luthra, who appeared on behalf of the Andhra Pradesh government. Sr. Adv. Luthra placed on record a communication dated September 18, 2025, addressed by the Commissioner & Director of Mines & Geology, Government of Andhra Pradesh.
The bench recorded the state government’s decision, noting that, "A perusal of the said communication reveals that after considering various orders passed by this court and the note of amicus curiae of August 20, 2022, the state government has taken a decision to request this court to constitute a committee so as to fix the boundaries of the leased areas and the reserved forest areas so as to ascertain the extent of illegal encroachment, extent of illegal mining and other unauthorized activities".
Court nominated Justice Dhulia to head the committee as chairman and directed the committee to submit its comprehensive report within a period of three months.
Court's order came despite objections raised by the respondents, including Obulapuram Mining Company and others, against the submission made by the Andhra Pradesh government. The respondents contended that the only matter agreed upon earlier was the demarcation of the lease hold areas, and that the state government was now attempting to expand the scope beyond what was initially agreed. Refusing to consider this contention at the current stage, the bench observed, "We do not propose to go into that controversy between the State and the respondents".
The bench clarified that the said contentions regarding the scope of agreement could be raised when the matter is heard on its merits, and the court would consider the submissions on their own merit at that time. "However, at the moment, we are inclined to accept the suggestion of the petitioner and therefore we appoint a committee,'' the bench further stated.
Court further directed that the committee, while finalising its report, would ensure all concerned parties, including the respondents, are heard.
In addition to Justice Dhulia, the committee will comprise the following members: a member of the Central Empowered Committee; the Secretary, Department of Industries and Commerce (Mines), Government of Andhara Pradesh or his nominee; the Secretary from the Department of Environment, Forest, Science and Technology, or his nominee; a nominee of the Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change; and the Secretary Department of Revenue, Government of Andhra Pradesh or his nominee.
Case Title: Govt of AP & Ors Vs Ms Obulapuram Mining Co P Ltd & Ors.
Order Date: September 25, 2025
Bench: Chief Justice of India B R Gavai and Justices K Vinod Chandran and N V Anjaria