Bombay High Court Upholds Expansion of Surjagarh Mines

The Bombay High Court dismissed two public interest litigations challenging the expansion of Surjagarh iron ore mines in Maharashtra, citing lack of merit. The PILs accused the government of illegal environmental clearance processes. The court found due procedure was followed and the petitioner had no standing.

The Bombay High Court has rejected two PILs contesting the government's approval for expanded operations at the Surjagarh iron ore mines in Maharashtra's Gadchiroli district, ruling that the claims were without merit.

The court found the process, as alleged to be illegal by Raipur resident Samarjeet Chatterjee, was conducted correctly, adhering to the Environmental Clearance norms.

This includes a controversial public hearing, relocated for security reasons. The court upheld the Ministry's adherence to prescribed procedures, dismissing the PILs for lack of standing by the petitioner.