The Patna High Court has issued a significant order regarding the continuous operation of heavy vehicles laden with stone chips through the Gopalpur village road from the Khandua mining area. A division bench comprising Acting Chief Justice Sudhir Singh and Justice Rajesh Kumar Verma heard the matter and directed the petitioners to submit a detailed representation before the Divisional Commissioner, Magadh Division, Gaya.

The court also instructed the competent mining authority to conduct an independent investigation into the matter and take action in accordance with the law. This order was passed on August 20, 2026, during the hearing of CWJC No. 12198/2026. Niranjan Kumar alias Pankaj Singh and Manoj Kumar, residents of Gopalpur, had filed a public interest litigation (PIL) demanding a ban on the movement of heavy vehicles on the village road and the strict adherence to the prescribed route chart.

The petitioners informed the court that heavy vehicles, some with 14 to 24 wheels, are transporting stone chips from the Khandua region through the village road. This has resulted in damage to the road and poses a threat to the safety of villagers, including children, women, and the elderly. Allegations were also made regarding damage to water sources, ponds, crops, and mango orchards due to dust from these vehicles and their continuous movement.

The petition referred to a High Court order from 2015 (CWJC No. 3726), which stipulated that in cases where mining activities are permitted, adherence to the prescribed route chart for vehicles transporting stone chips must be ensured. The court has directed the petitioners to present their detailed case, along with all relevant documents including the December 2, 2015 order, before the Divisional Commissioner. The Divisional Commissioner will then pass a clear and reasoned order in accordance with the law, after providing all concerned parties a fair opportunity to be heard.

The bench further clarified that if the investigation reveals that the transportation of stone chips violates prescribed rules, route charts, terms of the mining lease, or previous court orders, the Divisional Commissioner and the competent mining authority will issue necessary directives and take appropriate action. With these instructions, the High Court disposed of the writ petition and directed that copies of the order be sent to the concerned officials.