Team Herald
PANJIM: With noted lawyer Harish Salve yet to give his opinion to the State Government on the review petition in the iron ore lease renewal matter before Supreme Court, the Cabinet Advisory Committee (CAC) is most likely to place the petition before Attorney General of India for a final decision without the former’s view.
A fortnight after the draft review petition was sent to Salve, the Government is still awaiting reply from the legal expert. CAC is expecting the legal advice by Friday; failing which, it will forward the review petition to the Attorney General.
Speaking to media persons, CAC member and Urban Development Minister Francis D’Souza said that till yesterday (Wednesday) evening, Salve’s opinion had not come. “All these while, he (Salve) was busy with the water sharing matter. He was busy filing affidavits in those matters. Now, he is free and has taken up Goa’s case,” he said.
“But, Goa’s case is also not simple. We have submitted lot of documents, which he has to study and then give his legal view. We are expecting his opinion to come anytime now. Will wait till Friday,” the minister said.
D’Souza said the Goa Mineral Ore Exporters’ Association (GMOEA) has submitted its legal opinion in the matter. “We will place everything before the Attorney General now. He has to also start the work. We cannot delay more,” he said.
“We will forward Salve’s comments as and when we receive to the Attorney General,” he added.
The mining industry in the State had come to standstill from March 16, 2018.
after Supreme Court through its order on February 7, 2018 had quashed 88 mining leases. The state government had decided to seek legal opinion on filing review petition before the Supreme Court against the order.
The draft, approved by the CAC, includes history of Goa’s mining industry, various court decisions and petitions filed in court with regards to mining, various options including filing of review petitions, details as to how economic activities will be affected, what can be done till iron ore mines are auctioned in the state, etc.
