MP HC orders case against BJP MLA Sanjay Pathak:Takes cognizance of alleged attempt to contact judge in ₹443 crore recovery matter

The Madhya Pradesh High Court on Thursday ordered registration of a case against Sanjay Pathak, BJP MLA from Vijayraghavgarh, for allegedly contacting Justice Vishal Mishra. The court also issued a notice asking why criminal contempt proceedings should not be initiated against him. A division bench of Justice Sanjeev Sachdeva and Justice Vinay Saraf heard a petition filed by Ashutosh Manu Dixit of Katni, alleging that Pathak’s attempt to contact the judge could have influenced the judicial process. Allegation of contacting in a case related to the hearing of mines Demand for action against MLA The petitioner stated that a complaint had been filed earlier, but no action was taken. Therefore, a petition was filed in the High Court demanding action against the MLA. Advocates Arvind Srivastava and Puneet Shroti were present on behalf of the petitioner during the hearing. The Division Bench set aside the MLA’s objection and directed that a notice be issued to him and a reply be filed. Petition filed in HC in 2025, investigation did not progress Ashutosh Manu Dixit, a resident of Katni, filed a petition in the High Court in June 2025. It stated that complaints of illegal mining by companies of the Pathak family were made to the EOW. Even after 6 months, the investigation did not progress. In this case, companies of the Pathak family filed an Intervene application. Meanwhile, the Principal Secretary of the Mineral Department imposed a fine of 443 crore rupees against them. CM Mohan had said companies mined more than approved Chief Minister Mohan Yadav stated in the assembly that M/s Anand Mining Corporation, M/s Nirmala Minerals, and Pacific Export mined more than approved in the Sihora tehsil of Jabalpur district. Earlier, Ashutosh Manu Dixit told the EOW on January 31, 2025, that these companies had not deposited 1,000 crore rupees. A probe team was formed on April 23 based on the complaint. The team submitted its report to the government on June 6. Recovery of 443 cr rupees from three companies A recovery of 443 crore rupees was levied on all three mining companies. The companies stated that they have been trading minerals for 70 years and there has been no complaint of royalty or tax evasion in all these years.