MP High Court Orders Contempt Case Against BJP MLA Sanjay Pathak

Division bench directs criminal contempt proceedings over alleged attempt to contact judge in ₹443 crore mining recovery matter linked to Pathak family firms

The Madhya Pradesh High Court has ordered the registration of a suo motu criminal contempt petition against BJP MLA Sanjay Satyendra Pathak from Vijayraghavgarh in Katni district. The directive came after the court took cognisance of an alleged attempt by the legislator to contact a sitting judge regarding a pending case involving illegal mining and recovery of over ₹443 crore from companies linked to his family.

A division bench comprising Chief Justice Sanjeev Sachdeva and Justice Vinay Saraf passed the order on Thursday while hearing a petition filed by Katni resident Ashutosh Manu Dixit. The bench directed the court registry to register the contempt petition and list it for hearing on April 6, 2026. It also issued notice to Pathak asking why criminal contempt proceedings should not be initiated against him.

Judge Recuses from Mining Case

The development traces back to September 1, 2025, when Justice Vishal Mishra recused himself from hearing a writ petition related to alleged excess mining by three companies — Anand Mining Corporation, Nirmala Minerals, and Pacific Export. In his order, Justice Mishra explicitly recorded that Sanjay Pathak had made an attempt to call him to discuss the particular matter concerning the Pathak family’s mining companies. He stated he was not inclined to entertain the writ petition and referred the case to the Chief Justice for reassignment.

Advocate Arvind Shrivastava, appearing for petitioner Dixit along with Puneet Shroti, drew the court’s attention to this disclosure in the order sheet, which included a reference to the recorded conversation attempt. The division bench took serious note of the incident, observing it as a prima facie case of interference in judicial proceedings.

Background of Illegal Mining Allegations

The core dispute revolves around allegations of illegal and excess mining in the Sihora area of Jabalpur district, including operations reportedly on forest land. Ashutosh Dixit first approached the Economic Offences Wing (EOW) in Bhopal on January 31, 2025, accusing the companies of failing to deposit substantial amounts due to the government.

Following a preliminary enquiry, an investigation team was formed in April 2025. The team submitted its report on June 6, 2025, recommending recovery of over ₹443 crore from the three firms for mining beyond approved limits. Chief Minister Mohan Yadav had also informed the state assembly that the companies had extracted minerals in excess of permissions granted.

Dixit later moved the High Court in June 2025, alleging inaction by authorities despite his complaints. The companies, in turn, filed intervention applications in the matter. Sources indicated that the Pathak family has been associated with the mining business for decades, with no prior major complaints of royalty or tax evasion on record from their side.

Contempt Proceedings and Judicial Response

During Thursday’s hearing, the division bench rejected objections raised on behalf of the MLA and proceeded to initiate suo motu action. The court emphasised the need to protect the sanctity of judicial processes. Petitioner’s counsel highlighted that earlier complaints had not led to prompt action, prompting the move to the High Court.

Sanjay Pathak, a five-time MLA and former minister of state in the Shivraj Singh Chouhan government, is often described as a prominent figure in the mining sector in the region. He has not issued any public statement on the latest court order so far.

Impact on Governance and Public Trust

The case has sparked discussions on judicial independence and the boundaries of political influence in ongoing legal matters. Legal experts view the court’s swift response as a strong reaffirmation of the principle that any attempt to influence a judge undermines the administration of justice.

For the mining sector in Madhya Pradesh, the episode highlights ongoing scrutiny over compliance with environmental and regulatory norms, particularly in iron ore extraction zones. The recovery proceedings against the companies are expected to continue independently, with GST implications to be decided separately.

What Lies Ahead

The criminal contempt petition will come up before the court on April 6, 2026, when Pathak is likely to file his response. The matter could have implications for similar cases where allegations of over-mining surface in mineral-rich districts.

Meanwhile, the original writ petition concerning enforcement of the mining recovery has been reassigned and is under active judicial consideration. Authorities in the mineral department continue to monitor compliance and recovery processes.

This incident underscores the judiciary’s zero-tolerance approach towards any perceived interference in its functioning, even as the state government pushes for transparent resource management in key sectors. Developments in the contempt case will be closely watched in political and legal circles across Madhya Pradesh.