According to the petition filed by resident Sandeep Jaiswal, the 65-hectare land parcel at survey number 861 in Kannor villagewhich includes the only road connecting Karondi Khurd, Kannor, and Bichpura was leased to contractor Tilakraj Grover on July 1, 2025, based on a report from the Mineral Department. The area has since been used for dumping gravel from mining operations, rendering the road unusable.
Villagers allege that the administration acted arbitrarily and ignored multiple complaints demanding restoration of the route. After no response from the Collector’s office, they approached the High Court in September, submitting photographs showing the blocked passage.
On October 13, the court ordered the administration to reopen the road, but the directive was ignored. Consequently, a contempt petition was filed on November 4. The Division Bench of Chief Justice Sanjeev Sachdeva and Justice Vinay Saraf expressed strong displeasure, stating that “a public road meant for villagers cannot be handed over for private use.”
The court has now summoned the Katni Collector, the contractor, and state government representatives to appear personally and explain their actions.
Officials have been warned that failure to provide a satisfactory response could invite strict action. Meanwhile, dumping on the disputed road has been temporarily halted, offering limited relief to villagers awaiting full restoration of their access route.
