Goa cabinet advisory panel to discuss mining issue on Tuesday

The Cabinet Advisory Committee (CAC) of the Goa government will discuss about filing a review petition in the Supreme Court on its order cancelling mining leases in the state, which has brought the industry to a standstill.

CAC member and senior minister Sudin Dhavalikar today said the government was yet to take a call on the issue of filing of a review petition as senior lawyer Harish Salve, appointed to give a legal advice to the government on the issue, is yet to give his opinion.

"During the CAC meet on Tuesday, we will discuss all the points regarding the filing of a review petition in the Supreme Court," he told reporters on the sidelines of a function organised to mark the birth anniversary of Dr B R Ambedkar.

"Opinion has been sought on the issue from Harish Salve, who is yet to revert back on it," he added.

In a major blow to mining companies operating in Goa, the Supreme Court had in February this year quashed 88 leases granted to them by state government in 2015. From March 16, the industry came to a standstill.

The BJP-led state government had decided to seek a legal opinion on filing a review petition in the SC against the order. The CAC has already sent a draft of the petition to Salve. Once he gives his opinion, the state government will approach take the further step.