New Delhi: The Supreme Court bench led by the Chief Justice of India, SA Bobde, deferred the hearing on Jharkhand government's petition challenging the centre's coal block allocation to 13th November after the Attorney General sought more time to satisfy the court regarding environmental clearances over the allocation.
AG KK Venugopal submitted before the apex court today that Jharkhand had challenged the auction, sought only postponement of it to maximise revenue and no objection was raised regarding environmental clearances earlier. However, the centre has said that all allottees should have all necessary clearances including environmental and mining, added AG.
CJI told AG that they want to ensure that mining is safe for the environment and satisfy conscience. It suggested that an expert committee should be appointed, AG should give necessary assistance and a report shall be submitted in a month will then nothing shall be done. AG opposed staying the auction contending that it will impact the efforts taken by the government to rebuild the economy.
CJI also said that they are planning to propose an order barring any operation in any proposed mining block nearer than 50 kilometres to eco sensitive zones.
AG sought time to place on record submissions regarding environmental clearances and the court adjourned the matter.
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