HC notice to govt on Adani's plea against coal deallocation

The Delhi High Court today sought a response from the Centre on a plea by Adani Power Ltd against the de-allocation of the coal blocks allocated to the company in Chandrapur district of Maharashtra.
Justice Manmohan directed the central government to maintain status quo regarding the coal blocks till the next date of hearing, March 19.
The court listed the matter before Justice S K Mishra.
"Notice. Respondents to maintain status quo till next date of hearing and no further steps shall be taken by the government to re-allocate the coal blocks nor shall any third party interest be created therein till further orders.

"List before Justice S K Mishra on March 19," the court said.
Adani has moved the court challenging the government's decision saying its Lohara West and Lohara extension blocks were de-allocated as they fell within the Tadoba Tiger reserve and not because they were at fault.

During the proceedings, the company contended its Rs 18,000 crore Tiroda thermal power plant in the state will be affected if no new blocks are allocated to it.
The company also claimed the Secretary of Energy had written to the Coal Ministry to allocate it another block.
Refuting the contentions of the company, standing counsel for the Centre, Sumeet Pushkarna, said Adani has moved the court as coal will become costlier for them.

Several other firms have moved the high court over deallocation of their coal blocks and it is slated to hear all their pleas on March 19.