[ By Bobby Anthony ]The Supreme Court has modified its earlier order and allowed mining firms to transport validly mined iron ore from mines in Goa, on the condition that they have paid royalty to government authorities.A bench headed by Chief Justice of India S A Bobde allowed transportation of already mined iron ore lying unused at various sites in the state of Goa.The verdict by the...
The Supreme Court has modified its earlier order and allowed mining firms to transport validly mined iron ore from mines in Goa, on the condition that they have paid royalty to government authorities.
A bench headed by Chief Justice of India S A Bobde allowed transportation of already mined iron ore lying unused at various sites in the state of Goa.
The verdict by the Supreme Court was delivered in response to a plea by mining firm Chowgule & Company Private Limited.
In 2018, the Supreme Court had quashed the second renewal of iron ore mining leases given to nearly 88 companies in Goa in 2015. The Supreme Court had banned mining and transportation of iron ore in Goa.
The Supreme Court had directed the central government and the Goa state government to grant fresh environmental clearances to these companies.
Senior advocate Mukul Rohatgi represented Chowgule & Company Private Limited, while lawyer Prashant Bhushan represented the NGO ‘Goa Foundation’.
The SC bench has directed the mining firm to transport the iron ore within a period of six months from date of the verdict, provided royalties have been paid to the authorities and they have a valid license.