A Madhya Pradesh High Court judge has recused himself from hearing a case related to illegal mining, alleging that Bharatiya Janata Party MLA Sanjay Pathak tried to contact him and discuss the matter.

“Therefore, I am not inclined to entertain this writ petition,” said Justice Vishal Mishra on Monday.

He also ordered that the matter be placed before the chief justice of the High Court for listing before another bench.

Pathak, a five-time MLA, represents the Vijayraghavgarh constituency in Katni district. He also served as minister of state for Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises in the Shivraj Singh Chouhan-led government in 2016.

The case stems from a writ petition filed by whistleblower Ashutosh Dixit, who had alleged inaction by the Economic Offences Wing in probing illegal mining by companies allegedly linked to Pathak and his family, The Indian Express reported.

According to a report by Dainik Bhaskar, firms linked to Pathak allegedly carried out iron ore excavation worth Rs 440 crore beyond legal limits and evaded Rs 80 crore in goods and services tax.

Pathak had filed an application in the High Court seeking permission to intervene in the case, arguing that he should be given a chance to be heard.

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