The Karnataka High Court has issued notice to the State Government and three others in a public interest litigation pertaining risks posed by the existence of open quarry pits which is left open after mining in various parts of the State. The petition filed by the Secretary of High Court Legal Services Committee states that due to inadequate regulatory safeguards with respect to quarries have resulted in unpreventable deaths and also amounts to violation of rights under Article 21 of the constitution.

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The petitioner also states that during last month few people died by falling into these pits and such incidents if occur again will pose much risks. The petitioner also submitted that taking stock of abandoned pits is necessary for the purpose of effectively securing such pits and preventing loss of lives of any such loss of lives in future.They also sought before the court the concerned authorities should evolve long term strategies to elliminate the dangers posed by abandoned quarries and pits.

The petitioner also requested the court to issue directions to provide perimeter security at all quarry operations and secure all live and abandoned quarries in the State. The court also directed to submit a report depicting current status of the threat posed by these pits by next hearing. The bench then issued notice to the State, Department of Commerce and Industry, Department of Mines and Geology and Directorate General, Mines and Safety.