SteelMint reported last week that next hearing in Odisha illegal mining case was scheduled to take place today (i.e 13 Feb’18).
In the latest update received on the same, owing to unavailability of Amicus Curiae, the Supreme Court has deferred today’s hearing and the next hearing is scheduled on Thursday, 15 Feb’18.
Earlier, on 02 Aug’17 the Supreme Court of India issued a judgment on illegal iron ore mining case in the state of Odisha. In a common cause notice issued to Odisha based merchant miners; they were alleged of excess production beyond the granted EC (Environmental Clearance) limits. In its order, the Supreme Court (SC) called for the recovery of 100% compensation in lieu of the excess ore lifted to be submitted 31 Dec’17.
Five iron ore miners which could not submit the penalty amounts by the mentioned deadline were asked to shut off operations. Few days after, it was reported that IDCOL and Essel Mining submitted the penalty amount. The Apex court condoned the delay and granted IDCOL permission to operate the mines subject to payment of 12% interest for 11 days. In case of Essel Mining the Apex Court granted few days for verification of EC and FC clearances.
Towards the end of 1st week of Feb’18, Odisha’s Serajuddin Mines also submitted the penalty amount along with the interest and decision regarding resumption of operations at Essel Mining and Serajuddin Mines is expected to be taken up in the hearing scheduled on 15 Feb’18.
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