SRINAGAR: The Jammu and Kashmir Government has authorised designated officers of the Geology and Mining Department to file written complaints before special courts in cases involving illegal mining and violations of minor mineral rules.
The authorisation, issued by the Mining Department through a notification dated October 12, empowers officers at different levels to initiate complaints within their respective jurisdictions under Rule 83 of the Jammu and Kashmir Minor Mineral Concession, Storage, Transportation and Prevention of Illegal Mining Rules, 2016.
According to the notification, the Director, Geology and Mining, J&K, will have jurisdiction across the Union Territory and in districts where the District Mineral Officer is below the rank of Assistant Mineral Officer.
Joint Directors of Geology and Mining in Jammu and Kashmir divisions will exercise powers within their respective divisions, while Deputy Directors will be authorised to file complaints within their respective jurisdictions.
Other officers of the department posted in districts will also be empowered to file complaints, provided they hold a rank not below that of Assistant Mineral Officer.
In a further measure aimed at strengthening enforcement, the government has authorised any officer of the department not below the rank of Assistant Mineral Officer who detects an illegality or violation during an inspection in any district to file a complaint before the competent Special Court having jurisdiction over the offence.
The notification refers to the Special Courts designated through Government Order S.O. 302 of 2025, dated November 27, 2025.
