Friday, February 11,
The Supreme Court on Friday gave the Karnataka Government till the end of March to put in place the new rules, which the government has proposed in an attempt to prevent illegal mining and transportation of ore in the state.*
The court also allowed iron ore, which was stored at major ports before the ban came into force to be exported. This comes as a relief to miners such as Mineral Enterprises Limited, who informed the court it had 68,637 tonne waiting to be exported at Mangalore port.
The Karnataka government has proposed draft rules called the Karnataka Prevention of Illegal Mining, Transportation and Storage of Minerals 2011.
The government’s new rules were made public on 5 February for objections and comments from the general public, including the mining industry, which had to be made within 30 days.
On Friday, the mining companies, which included Sesa Goa, MSPL, SB Minerals, RBSSN and Mineral Enterprises Limited, argued that the government was delaying the lifting of the temporary six-month ban by taking time to notify the new rules.
They also contended that the new rules have nothing to do with exporting ore. The companies are challenging the ban on the basis that it is unconstitutional as it affects their right to livelihood under Article 19(1)(g).
The court will next hear the matter on 4 April and if the government doesn’t put in place the requisite mechanism by then, the companies would be allowed to ask the court for relief.
Leave a Reply