New Delhi | Aug 29, 2017: The Supreme Court Monday deferred the hearing on the Central Empowered Committee (CEC) Report on mining along with interlocutory applications filed by different mining companies to October 24 when the court will start the hearing afresh.

Petitioner ‘Common Cause’ represented by senior lawyer Prashant Bhushan and his counterpart Kapil Sibal argued before a two-judge bench comprising Justice Madan B Lokur and Justice Deepak Gupta on the merits of the case which led to its adjournment till October 24.

In the August 2 verdict of the apex court, the court announced penalty on the defaulting miners in Orissa. At the same time, it asked for a different hearing for the Jindal Steel and Power Limited, Sarda Mines Pvt Ltd, Essel Mining and Industries and Rungta Group against the applications filed by them. Although it was supposed to hear the matter Monday, now the hearing has been scheduled for October 24.

Nevertheless, the petitioner, during the arguments Monday, has asked for a clarification over the fate of the defaulting miners who have resumed their operations in the state and what would be the directions for them in case they fail to pay the penalty by December 31 this year, as mandated by the court during the August 2 verdict. The court, however, adjourned the hearing of both the matters till October 24.

In the August 2 verdict, the court had ruled, “The amounts determined as due from all the mining lease holders should be deposited by them on or before 31st December, 2017. Subject to and only after compliance with statutory requirements and full payment of compensation and other dues, the mining lease holders can re-start their mining operations.”

(Source: https://www.orissapost.com/)