Supreme court imposed a 100 percent penalty of mining lease holders who are working without the compulsory legal clearance in the state. This decision of SC could be a major reason of concern for those who actually were operating illegally. A two-member apex court bench comprising Justice Madan B. Lokur and Justice Deepak Gupta asked the companies, which have been served the demand notice by the Odisha government, to deposit the due on or before December 31.
While the state government imposed about Rs 60,000 crore penalty on mines for illegal mining between 2000 to 2010, the Central Empowered Committee, appointed by the apex court, has recommended that at least 30 per cent notional value may be realised from the mining companies.”The amounts determined as due from all the mining lease holders should be deposited by them on or before December 31, 2017. Subject to and only after compliance with statutory requirements and full payment of compensation and other dues, the mining lease holders can re-start their mining operations,” the court said. The bench also refrained to direct a CBI inquiry into the mining scam in Odisha.
