PANJIM: The Division Bench of High Court of Bombay at Goa recused from hearing a petition filed by mining companies last month challenging the order issued by the State government asking mining companies to vacate 88 mining leases before June 6.
When the matter came up before the Division Bench of Justice M S Sonak and Justice R N Laddha, Justice Sonak declined to hear the plea stating “not before me” since he appeared for one of the petitioners before being elevated to High Court Judge. The fate of the mining companies now lies in doldrums.
During the hearing before the Vacation Bench last month, Advocate General Devidas Pangam had assured the Court no coersive action will be taken till June 6 while adding that interim relief can be sought only after this date. The matter was thus adjourned for June 6, Monday.
The State government, on May 4, had initiated the process to take over 88 mining leases from the lessees whose second renewal was quashed by the Supreme Court in February 2018.
