SC asks Karnataka govt to take clear stand on lifting export ban on iron ore


PTI, Apr 19, 2022, 10:44 AM IST

Bengaluru: The Supreme Court asked the state government to take a clear stand on the plea by miners seeking permission to export iron ore extracted in mines of Chitradurga, Tumakuru, and Ballari.

Advocate Prashant Bhushan, representing NGO Samaj Parivartan Samudaya, contended before a bench headed by Chief Justice N.V. Ramana that there was no need to allow exports, as the Steel Ministry said iron ore was not surplus and cited the 2013 judgment, former Lokayukta Justice Santosh Hegde’s report, as well as the Parliamentary panel findings.

He submitted that only finished steel should be exported, as this is capable of generating employment opportunities.

Additional Solicitor General K.M. Nataraj, representing the Centre, submitted that under the extant policy of the government, there is no bar on export of iron ore.

Nataraj also submitted that the issue of deficit in production of iron ore can’t be raised in case of Karnataka mines only.

Senior advocate Dushyant Dave, representing mine lease holders, contended that relief prayed in the PIL by the NGO has already been achieved and the Karnataka mining firms can’t be punished endlessly. He insisted that the environmental damage has already been recouped.

The bench, also comprising Justices Krishna Murari and Hima Kohli, was informed that a Cabinet meeting has been scheduled to decide on the export of iron ore issue.

The top court told Karnataka’s Additional Advocate General Nikhil Goel to inform it of the state’s stand within a day. After hearing detailed arguments, the top court reserved the order on the plea by the miners.

Earlier, the Mines and Steel Ministries expressed support for the demand for lifting the ban on export of minerals from Karnataka’s three districts, while the steel manufacturers body have opposed it.

(With IANS inputs)

Udayavani is now on Telegram. Click here to join our channel and stay updated with the latest news.

Top News

Cow smuggler dead, six others injured after their vehicle overturns during police chase

Assam bypolls: Samaguri Cong candidate alleges rigging by BJP, demands repolling

Who in Congress has said Article 370 will be restored? Shah spreading lies: Kharge

All arrangements in place to ensure smooth darshan at Sabarimala shrine: Kerala police

Delhi pollution: Mothers’ group write to health minister, highlight respiratory issues among kids

Union Minister Joshi hands over 10 battery-operated vehicles to Puri temple

COVID-19 scam: Karnataka cabinet decides to set up SIT

Related Articles More

Cong-BJP spar over K’taka CM’s charge that saffron party attempting ‘horse trading’ to topple govt

COVID-19 scam: Karnataka cabinet decides to set up SIT

Stray dog menace at Kempegowda International Airport causes concern

Malpe: Sewage, trash cleared from Fisheries College campus

Six scholars, including two women, win Infosys Prize 2024

MUST WATCH

New Technology In Kambala

Lakshdeepotsava 2024 Shree Krishna Mutt

Punganur Cow

Rangoli design

Jagadeesh Nagaraj Kudupali Audio Viral


Latest Additions

Cow smuggler dead, six others injured after their vehicle overturns during police chase

Assam bypolls: Samaguri Cong candidate alleges rigging by BJP, demands repolling

Who in Congress has said Article 370 will be restored? Shah spreading lies: Kharge

All arrangements in place to ensure smooth darshan at Sabarimala shrine: Kerala police

Delhi pollution: Mothers’ group write to health minister, highlight respiratory issues among kids

Thanks for visiting Udayavani

You seem to have an Ad Blocker on.
To continue reading, please turn it off or whitelist Udayavani.