In a major relief for Goa miners, the Supreme Court today (January 30, 2020) has allowed transportation of iron ores already mined in Goa till March 31, 2018.
A three-judge bench comprising the Chief Justice of India, Sharad Arvind Bobde, Justices BR Gavai and Surya Kant had reserved its judgement on Thursday (January 30, 2020) after hearing a host of petitions challenging the Apex Court’s judgment that shut down the iron ore mines in Goa since March 2018.
Transportation of iron ores already mined in Goa till March, 2018 and for miners who have paid royalty has been permitted by the Apex Court.
All other conditions laid down in the previous court judgment will also bind companies.
Various mine owners including Chowgules, Salgaocar, Agarwal Minerals, Minescape Minerals, and Minescape & Kadar Ores had moved the Supreme Court, challenging various orders of the Goa Bench of the Bombay High Court in March and April, 2018 rejecting their pleas for disposal of the mined ores.
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.
The Apex Court had, on March 2018 ruled to shut down the iron ore mines in Goa on a petition filed by an NGO called Goa Foundation.
Author: Shubham Jindal
