SC stays mining by Gali firm

Dec. 17: Disapproving the interim order of the AP High Court permitting Obulapuram Company Ltd. (OCL) of the powerful Reddy brothers to carry on mining activities in an area 40 metres towards the Karnataka border in Obulapuram area, the Supreme Court on Thursday halted the operation till further hearing on January 4.
Admitting the appeal of the Andhra Pradesh government against the High Court’s interim direction of December 11, a three-judge Bench comprising Chief Justice K.G. Balakrishnan and Justices B. Sudershan Reddy and P. Sathasivam said the HC order “stands stayed till January 4.”
The court issued notice to the OCL, Anantapur Corporation and the other lease holders allowed to carry on mining activities.
The notices were also issued to the Central Empowerment Committee (CEC) on whose recommendation the ministry of environment and forests had asked the state government to stop mining activities in the area by three companies of Reddy brothers and three others lease holders.
The AP Pollution Control Board was also issued the notice with the direction that all of them would file their replies by January 4.
Expressing displeasure over the HC’s interim relief to the OCL and other lease holders, almost allowing them main relief prayed for in their petitions, Justice Reddy asked, “how can you grant main relief in the name of interim order.”
The stay order came despite strong objection by the OCL’s counsel Mukul Rohtagi, who raised question over the CEC findings.