New Delhi, Oct. 26 -- The Supreme Court on Monday warned that it may order a CBI investigation into alleged illegal mining and regularisation of mining leases along Rajasthan's Jojari-Luni-Bandi river system, accusing State officials of failing to protect the rivers despite repeated judicial directions.

A bench of Justice Vikram Nath and Justice Sandeep Mehta questioned why mining areas where illegal activities had been detected were subsequently regularised through leases. "If you don't pull up your socks and don't mend your ways, we will be compelled to direct a CBI investigation," Justice Mehta told Additional Solicitor General SV Raju, appearing for Rajasthan.

The apex court also reprimanded state officials for allegedly misrepresen...