Shillong, Feb 28: The Meghalaya High Court on Tuesday heard a PIL pertaining to the illegal transportation of coal, which has been illegally mined in the state. The PIL was filed by one Champer M Sangma.

In its order, the Division Bench said the previous orders revealed that both the State of Meghalaya and the State of Assam have filed their affidavits. It said the petitioner claimed that the respondent No 14 is a kingpin.

The petitioner also pointed out that there is documentary evidence to show that though some coal has entered from outside into the State of Meghalaya, an excess of about 40,000 MT of coal has left the State of Meghalaya.

This, according to the petitioner, could not have happened unless there was illegal mining of coal and a network of transportation.

There is no doubt that the 14th respondent is interested in delaying matters.

Advocate representing the 14th respondent said that he has been engaged today.

The bench has directed the 14th respondent to file its affidavit dealing not only with the petition but also with the affidavits filed by the State of Meghalaya and the State of Assam within a week from date.

The next hearing on the matter will be held on March 13.