PANJIM: Chief Minister Laxmikant Parsekar on Thursday said that the Supreme Court notices issued to the State government over renewal of 88 iron ore mining leases, will have no impact on resumption of mining activities.
“If someone has gone to court challenging the lease renewals, the Court will obviously ask for the State government’s say. We will reply to it. But it will have no hurdle in resumption of mining activities,” Parsekar told media persons at the sidelines of a press conference.
On Tuesday the Supreme Court had issued notices to the State and mining lease holders, seeking an explanation over second renewal of 88 leases, which was done under section 8(3) of the Mines and Minerals Development Regulation (MMDR) Act 1957. The government has to file its reply by December 1.
The notices were issued while hearing two writ petitions filed by Goa Foundation and activist Sudip Tamankar challenging renewal of mining leases and two Special Leave Petitions challenging the High Court order on renewals. The final hearing in the matter will be on Dec 9.
