The Madras High Court has directed the Tamil Nadu government to take immediate steps to stop mining operations by encroachers on government lands.

“If the State or the authorities concerned do not take any steps to stop such illegal mining, then the court shall have no option but to presume that the persons concerned are also interested in continuation of such illegal activities,” the First Bench comprising Chief Justice M.Y.Eqbal and Justice T.S.Sivagnanam observed in its order while dismissing three writ petitions.