MP High Court Judge Recuses From Illegal Mining Case After BJP MLA Attempts To Contact Him

Justice Vishal Mishra of the Madhya Pradesh High Court on Monday (September 01) recused from an illegal mining case, stating that BJP MLA from Vijayraghavgarh assembly constituency— Sanjay Pathak, tried to call him to have a discussion regarding the case. 

Justice Mishra stated,

"Mr. Sanjay Pathak has made an attempt to call me to have discussion regarding this particular matter, therefore, I am not inclined to entertain this writ petition. Let the matter be placed before the Hon'ble Chief Justice for listing the matter before the appropriate Bench for consideration". 

Per a news report, the case pertains to illegal mining activities leading to iron ore excavation of INR 440 crores that was beyond the mining limits, while accruing INR 80 crores in penalties for alleged GST evasion. The companies under suspicion Nirmala Minerals, Anand Mining and Pacific Export, are allegedly linked to the BJP MLA. 

The investigation was initiated after a whistleblower, Ashutosh Dixit, filed a complaint to the Economic Offences Wing in January 2025. 

Accordingly, the court transferred the matter before the appropriate bench for consideration. 

Case Title: Ashutosh Dixit v Economic Offences Wing (WP 28456/2025)

For Petitioner: Senior Advocate SR Tamrakar 

For Respondent: Advocate Madhur Shukla

For Intervenor: Advocates Anshuman Singh and Vasu Jain