₹7.5 Lakh Penalty on Farmer Quashed, ‘Clay Residue Not Sufficient to Conclude JCB Used for Illegal Sand Excavation’: Bombay High Court

The Bombay High Court delivered an important judgment protecting farmers from arbitrary action by authorities. The case was filed by Gunaji Ramji Surnar, a farmer, who challenged the penalty imposed on him for alleged illegal sand excavation. The case was heard by Justice Ajit B. Kadethankar, who examined whether the action of revenue authorities was lawful and based on proper evidence. Allegation Against the Farmer The issue began when a…