Country not meant for handful rich: SC
GOANEWS DESK, PANAJI | 25 September 2013 23:41 IST
The Supreme Court today firmly stated that the country and its resources cannot be exploited to enrich handful few, referring to Goa’s mining scenario.
The forest bench, headed by Justice A K Patnaik, was reacting to the submission made by Goa government counsel Adv Arvind Datar that the state would rehabilitate the mines.
The bench, which also consists of Justices S S Nijjar and F M Ibrahim Kalifulla, said the country belongs to everyone, including the tribals, the farmers, the labourers, traders and government servants.
The court said the destruction of environment and rule of law must stop by upholding Article 21 of the Constitution of India, which speaks of Right to Life.
The bench also advised the state government to think not only of the rich miners who can afford costly lawyers but the rights and interests of ALL.
The bench, during the arguments, even went to the extent of stating that they would not mind closing the mines for good if the government cannot implement the law and protect the environment as well as livelihood of the people.
Referring to the photographs of destruction attached with the petition, the court said it is difficult to shut their eyes to the reality.
The court asked the government how it could revive the ecology, which has already been destroyed due to uncontrolled mining.
When Adv Datar pointed out that the figure of Rs 35,000 crore arrived at by Shah Commission was based on errors, the court asked what the figure PAC report arrived at was.
Adv Datar said: Rs 3500 crore!
AAM AADMI PARTY MUST EXPOSE MOPA LAND SCAM AND MINING SCAM IN GOA. THESE 2 AGENDAS ENOUGH TO WIN AAP IN GOA.