core sector communique

SC denies iron ore relief to steel producers in Karnataka

Its reported that association of iron and steel manufacturers of Karnataka failed on Tuesday to get any relief from the Supreme Court on its plea apprehending closure of their operations if the miners were not allowed to continue mining without a panel giving report on any alleged encroachment by them.

They wanted the court to clarify an order passed on May 6, directing formation of a joint team to conduct a survey and demarcate the boundaries of 99 iron ore mines.

Senior counsel Abhishek Manu Singhvi, appearing for the association, submitted that the miners have been directed to stop mining activities even before the Committee’s survey of the mining areas.The Vacation Bench of Justices GS Singhvi and CK Prasad, however, refused to entertain the application saying that the matter was being heard by a three-judge forest bench headed by Chief Justice of India S H Kapadia.

The court said “It is before a special three judge bench. We have nothing to do in this matter.”The Bench asked the petitioners to approach the special forest bench which would resume sitting in July after summer break.

In its plea, the Karnataka Iron and Steel Manufacturers Association, contended that most of its suppliers have been forced to shut down their mines as the directions were issued by the mines department on May 13 contrary to the order of the apex court passed on May 6. They contended that the plant owners would be forced to shut down their operations if the supply of iron ore was stopped in Bellary district, they contended.