MINING CASES TO BE SHIFTED

NEW DELHI: The Centre Friday moved a petition seeking transfer of all cases —related to cancellation of mining licences — pending before different high courts to the Supreme Court. Taking note of the matter, a bench headed by CJI RM Lodha issued notices and sought reply from various mining companies that have challenged cancellation of mining licences.

NEW DELHI: The Centre on Friday moved a petition seeking to transfer all cases related to the cancellation of mining licences pending before different high courts to the Supreme Court.

A bench headed by t he Chief Justice issued notices and sought reply from various mining companies that have challenged the cancellation of mining licenses.

Attor ney General Mukul Rohatgi mentioned the matter before the CJI. Centre said the petitions filed by the companies involved substantial questions of law, such as the jurisdiction and power of the inter-ministerial group (IMG) to review the progress of development of coal blocks allotted, to recommend de-allocation where substantial progress has not be made or to direct providing of bank guarantee, to invoke bank guarantee as well as the decision to cancel licences based on the IMG’s recommendations. The Centre’s transfer petition also said the IMG took up 58 cases for review where show cause notices were issued.

The coal ministry stated the firms in their petitions before the HCs have alleged violation of principles of justice, IMG’s power to frame guidelines to be followed and power and jurisdiction to make such recommendations.

CENTRE HAS CONTENDED THAT THE PETITIONS FILED BY THE COMPANIES INVOLVE SUBSTANTIAL QUESTIONS OF LAW