Mining – Andhra Pradesh High Court Petition Seeks Protection for Cement Operations
Mining – Bharathi Cement Corporation Private Limited has moved the Andhra Pradesh High Court, alleging that its limestone mining and cement manufacturing activities have been disrupted and requesting judicial intervention to restore normal operations.
Bharathi Cement Corporation Private Limited (BCCPL) has filed a petition before the Andhra Pradesh High Court, claiming that its mining and cement production activities have been severely affected due to alleged obstruction by a group of individuals. The company has requested the court to direct the local police to provide protection, remove the reported blockades, and ensure that its industrial operations continue without further interference. According to the company, repeated complaints submitted to law enforcement authorities have not resulted in any effective action.
Company Alleges Disruption to Mining and Production
The petition has been submitted on behalf of the company by its authorised signatory and Director, G Balaji. In the filing, BCCPL stated that limestone extraction and cement plant operations have remained disrupted for the last three days because certain individuals allegedly prevented access to its mining areas and production facilities. The company argued that the disruption has affected regular business activities and caused operational difficulties at the site.
BCCPL further claimed that despite approaching the police several times with formal complaints, no criminal case was registered against those allegedly responsible for the obstruction. It has therefore requested the High Court to issue appropriate directions to the police authorities so that the company can resume its lawful industrial activities without fear of further interference.
Court Intervention Sought for Police Protection
As part of its plea, the company has sought police protection for its mining and manufacturing facilities. It has also requested the court to instruct authorities to remove the alleged barriers that are preventing employees and equipment from accessing the operational areas.
The petition maintains that the company’s mining and cement production are being carried out in accordance with applicable laws and that uninterrupted access to its facilities is essential for maintaining normal business operations. It argues that continued disruption could affect production schedules and the functioning of the industrial unit.
Labour Dispute Cited as Background
According to the petition, the present dispute can be traced back to an internal employment issue earlier this year. The company stated that ten contract workers, who had been engaged through a manpower contractor, were suspended following allegations of indiscipline during a sports event organised by the company.
BCCPL said the disciplinary action led to disagreements involving the suspended workers and their supporters. The company has linked the present disruption of mining and factory activities to that earlier dispute, although the allegations presented in the petition have yet to be tested before the court.
Company Refers to Earlier Civil Court Order
The petition also informed the High Court that the company had previously approached a civil court over the matter. According to BCCPL, the civil court granted an interim injunction restraining the suspended workers and individuals supporting them from interfering with the functioning of the factory.
Despite the existence of that interim order, the company alleged that obstruction of its operations continued. It has therefore sought fresh judicial directions to ensure that the earlier order is effectively implemented and that police authorities take necessary steps to maintain access to the mining site and cement plant.
The High Court is expected to examine the company’s plea and consider the relief sought after hearing the parties involved, in accordance with the legal process.