HC bans sand mining machines,stays arrest of workers

In its petition,the PUCL had contended that the contractors were using JCB machines and other equipment for sand mining in violation of government orders. Traditionally,the fishermen who lived on the riverbank are hired for sand mining,but the use of machines has deprived them of a job.

According to the petition,on January 24,the Kaushambi police raided several houses and arrested over three dozen people as they had held a meeting to demand removal of the machines. Eighteen FIRs were lodged by the Allahabad and Kaushambi police. The counsel for PUCL,Ravi Kiran Jaini,told the court that the use of machine created a serious problem for livelihood for these workers who have begun an agitation under the banner of All Indian Kisan Mazdoor Sabha.

Appearing on behalf of the government,Additional Advocate General S G Hasnain said the protestors had assembled with arms despite prohibitory orders under Section 144 of CrPC and did not disperse despite repeated warnings by the police.

“The court has stayed the arrest of sand workers,” said Jaini. The court also requested the Human Right Commission to help the workers and the government resolve the issue.