The Meghalaya High Court has ordered for immediate closure of all illegal coke plants in West Khasi Hills and also those operating without official consent in other districts of the State. In an order passed today on a PIL filed by Monu Kumar, the division bench of the High Court also directed the Chief Secretary to file a compliance report with the Registrar-General of the High Court by December 19. “All other coke plants, whatever may be the size and whoever may be directly or indirectly controlling the same, must be shut down as of today. The Chief Secretary will file a compliance report with the Registrar-General by December 19, 2022, confirming such a position,” the High Court said. Indeed, it now appears that the State government may have helped circumvent orders and actively connive with the operators of the illegal coke plants.

Source: Daily Nation December 17, 2022 11:36 UTC