Shillong: A formal request demands the immediate cancellation of an August 21 coal auction notice in Meghalaya. Authorities want to sell 1,21,288 metric tonnes of seized coal. The bid process is in trouble. Critics claim the East Jaintia Hills Deputy Commissioner ignored court-mandated procedures and failed to notify the public.
The auction notice, labeled EJHD/Genl-42/SC/Pt. II/2026/17, follows a ruling from the Special Judge (MMDR) in Khliehriat. Complainants argue the notice appeared too late, blocking real bidders from entering the game. An earlier enquiry on September 11 confirmed the notification was severely delayed.
Court orders remain clear. Paragraph 18 of the August 11 mandate requires publishing notices in two newspapers, including one vernacular paper. It also demands the notice go live on the websites of the East Jaintia Hills district and the Directorate of Mineral Resources. Officials must offer at least 15 days of notice for the date, time, venue, and terms of the sale.
The complainant points to a January 30 Meghalaya High Court judgment, WP(C) No. 433 of 2026, which states, "publishing an auction advertisement close to the last date violated the requirement of providing adequate time to prospective bidders." The case of Pahal Coal Traders Pvt Ltd vs State of Meghalaya also pushed for wider publicity to ensure fairness. The demand calls for a total reset of the process to match these legal standards.
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