Thread by @barandbench

#SupremeCourt is hearing applications seeking to re-start iron ore export from Karnataka

CJI NV Ramana: issue is whether e auction should be started or not and whether ore export be allowed.

Adv Prashant Bhushan: Steel Ministry says that more and more iron ore is needed. it says India produces 120 million tons every years and it needs 192 million tons every year.

Bhushan: ministry is saying we need to increase production of steel and thus we need more iron ore. it is not saying that there is surplus of iron ore and thus we dont need to export.

Dave: Question is should these measures continue when such measures are not in place for other states? Objective of writ petition having been achieved, the ban can be lifted. Now Mr Bhushan should not come in way of growth of country and now illegalities have been removed

Bhushan: exploitation of iron ore leads to severe environmental damage.
#ironore

Sr Adv Kapil Sibal: There are so many counsels

CJI: Yes that is why I was delaying it, been three years.. so many counsels.

Sibal: This iron ore will go to China for their pellet industry and they want to send this for the exponential profits they will earn. 2013-24 Karnataka price was much more than in Odisha. Then again in 2015, 2016, 2017, 2018

Sibal: Steel ministry also says steel production needs to increase in the country. Now if the ban is lifted then what will happen ?

Sibal: With international prices so high, why will companies like Vedanta sell it to India ?

CJI: I don't want this to be a fight between the companies. Now the dispute looks like it has boiled down between 2 to 3 companies.

Sibal: Yes that is why I was not naming it

Sibal: We are saying there should be an e auction and if that is not done then it will be sold internationally at windfall profit and nothing will be brought to e auction. Why should this be allowed ?

ASG KM Natraj: If export is there for all over the country, for one particular area it cannot be restricted

CJI:. What is your clear stand

ASG: Clear stand is export of iron ore can be allowed.

CJI: Leading newspaper editorials say this can happen or that can happen. That cannot be done here. Sad thing is You (Centre) have not made your stand clear.

ASG: Sum and substance is competing interests do not matter to us.

CJI: suppose we allow e-auction then who will monitor the quantity being sold etc.

Adv Nikhil Goel Submits that State of Karnataka is also opposed to export and will submit a stand shortly

Dave: How can the state say this now ? We have already lost out to JSW Steel etc. What belongs to my ownership how can it be taken away.

Bhushan: Karnataka Lokayukta had pointed out that iron ore was sufficient for 20 to 30 years at the rate of export was going on.

CJI: We are on e auction and the export

Bhushan: this is a natural resource for the whole country.

CJI: Okay. Orders reserved. Please submit the cabinet decision of the state also and submit it before tomorrow. Say in yes or no. Nothing in between

#SupremeCourt