The Supreme Court’s order on 8 February cancelling all iron ore mining leases in Goa issued by the state has caused a tizzy. The mining industry called it ‘catastrophic’. There was much dismay in the interior talukas which are dependent on the industry for employment.
The state government was taken by surprise and opinion was split between two groups — one favouring adherence to the court order and the other calling for an ordinance to overturn it.
The Goa Foundation, petitioner in the case, was happy with the order. But it isn’t. . .