In Brief
The Supreme Court addressed whether mining leaseholders in Goa could transport iron ore extracted before mining operations ceased on 15 March 2018. The Court held that the order prohibiting mining from 16 March 2018 did not restrict transportation of ore already extracted. Applying plain language interpretation and legislative policy allowing six months for ore removal post-lease expiry, the Court ruled that leaseholders could transport royalty-paid ore from jetties, stockyards, and pitheads via valid transit permits, subject to completion within six months. The Court set aside the High Court's interim suspension order and upheld the State's decision permitting such transportation.
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