SC pulls up Odisha for delay in recovering INR 27 bln penalty in mining case
This story was originally published at 18:43 IST on 29 October 2025
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NEW DELHI – The Supreme Court Wednesday said it was not pleased with the manner in which the Odisha government was proceeding to recover penalties amounting to INR 27.45 billion from mine owners found indulging in illegal mining of iron and manganese ore. The court told the state government to show progress in the recovery efforts by the next hearing on Dec. 10.
The top court was hearing a petition by a non-governmental organisation, Common Cause, highlighting the problems of illegal mining in Odisha. The petitioner is also against lessees operating in the state without clearance or renewal under the Environment (Protection) Act, 1986, and the Forest (Conservation) Act, 1980.
The court had set Dec. 31, 2017, as the penalty-payment deadline for all miners who were found to have mined beyond the approved mining plan, violating environmental and forest clearances, as per the recommendations of the Centre-appointed Justice M.B. Shah Commission and the court-appointed Central Empowered Committee. However, some of the mine owners have still not paid the penalty to the Odisha government.
Advocate Prashant Bhushan, appearing for Common Cause, said the state authorities appeared to be in collusion with the leaseholders, given the prolonged inaction. There has been inordinate delay, he told the court. The monies had to be paid by Dec. 31, 2017. With interest, the amount due will be almost double, he said. The state's counsel denied any collusion and sought four weeks' time to meet the chief secretary of the state and other officials to ensure that appropriate action is taken. End
Reported by Surya Tripathi
Edited by Rajeev Pai
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