Supreme Court stays prohibiting export of iron ore

The Supreme Court on Tuesday stayed with effect from April 20, two orders passed by the Karnataka government, one prohibiting export of iron ore from 10 mining ports and the second banning issuance of mineral dispatch permits for transporting of iron ore for export.

A Bench of Justice R.V. Raveendran and Justice A.K. Patnaik in its order made it clear that the ban order would go from April 20 as the purpose for which it was imposed had been served.

The Bench said: “It is clear that the purpose for which the government orders dated July 26, 2010 [prohibiting export of iron ore] and July 28, 2010 [banning issuance of permits] were issued has been achieved and prima facie there is no ground to continue the same.”

The Bench said the Karnataka (Prevention of Illegal Mining, Transportation and Storage of material) Rules 2011 had come into effect from April 1.

‘Take remedial action'

The Bench said: “We are sure the State government will give serious attention to the several suggestions in the Report of the Lokayukta and take necessary remedial action.” It directed the matter to be listed in the first week of May.