Thursday, January 16, 2020

SC reserves order in mining case, but union minister 'welcomes' verdict


Shripad Naik, minister of state for defence, issued a statement welcoming the Supreme Court 'judgement' on iron ore mines in the state.


Shripad Naik, India’s junior defence minister, used his official letterhead to welcome Supreme Court’s "judgement" on a mining company’s appeal. Except that the court has not given its judgement.

The court on Thursday reserved its order on a plea by a mining company seeking permission to commercially use and transport mined iron ore lying unused in its mines in Goa.

Naik, a minister of state and Lok Sabha MP from North Goa, issued a statement welcoming the Supreme Court "judgement" on iron ore mines in the state.

"Welcome judgement by Hon'ble Supreme Court of India (SC) for passing judgement on allowing ore mined till 15th March 2018 as legal and authorized for transportation," Naik said in the statement issued on Thursday on his letter head.

Immediately after the minister's letter, BJP leader and Goa Chief Minister Pramod Sawant issued a statement, saying the Supreme Court has reserved its judgment on transportation of the ore extracted prior to the mining ban.

"The Supreme Court on 16th January 2020 has reserved its judgment on transportation of ore extracted prior to mining ban and lying inside as well as outside leased areas. Arguments have been concluded today. If permitted by the Supreme Court, it will be temporary relief to mining-affected areas. The State has moved the apex court in a review petition against the order," the CM's statement said.

Iron ore mining in the state has come to standstill since February, 2018, after the apex court quashed 88 mining leases. The state moved the court with a review petition against the order.

Business Standard




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