The Supreme Court on Friday directed the State Government to file a fresh petition making all the affected and interested sides as parties in the application seeking a fresh Gram Sabha for mining in the Niyamgiri Hills.
A three-judge Bench of the SC heard the petition of the State Government.
The Government had moved the apex court seeking review of the latter’s 2013 decision upholding the resolution passed by the 12 Gram Sabhas not to allow mining of bauxite in the hills.
Earlier on March 4 this year, a two-judge Bench of the SC had recommended the Chief Justice to constitute a three-judge bench to conduct hearing on Odisha Mining Corporation (OMC)’s interlocutory application seeking reconvening of Gram Sabhas for mining. The Government through the State-owned OMC on February 25 had moved the SC seeking reconvening of Gram Sabhas.
In April 2013, the SC had ruled that the Vedanta Group’s bauxite mining project in the Niyamgiri hills would have to get clearance from the Gram Sabhas. The Government had then identified 12 villages from among more than 100 in and around the hills for Gram Ssabhas. However, the tribals did not allow the Vedanta for mining activities.