SC issues notice to Centre on Jharkhand's pleas against coal blocks auction

The Supreme Court today issued notice to the Centre on Jharkhand government's pleas challenging the decision to auction coal mines for commercial mining. The apex court gave the Centre four weeks to reply.

New Delhi: The Supreme Court on Tuesday issued notice to the Centre to file its reply on pleas by the Jharkhand Government against Union Government's move to auction coal blocks for commercial activities.

A three-judge bench headed by Chief Justice of India SA Bobde heard the arguments from Senior Advocates Abhishek Manu Singhvi and Fali S Nariman for Jharkhand.

The Jharkhand Government's pleas claimed that proper assessment related to the adverse impact on a huge tribal population and forests has not been done. It further submitted that a detailed study covering all aspects of the decision is required.

On hearing the arguments, CJI said that the bench is inclined to issue notice and hear the matter on injunction.

Nariman requested the apex court to take up the matter on August 18 and sought that the be stopped till then.

The apex court gave the Centre four weeks to reply on the writ petition and an original suit filed by the Jharkhand government questioning the decision to auction coal blocks for commercial mining.

Read:Jharkhand moves SC against centre's decision to auction coal blocks for commercial mining