SC rules out deadline extension to miners for penalty payments

The court held that the amount to be paid should be the figure rationalised by the central empowered committee

The last effort by iron and manganese ore miners in Odisha to extend deadline for paying penalties for overproduction has gone unheeded. The Supreme Court, in a hearing on Wednesday, ruled out any extension in deadline (December 31) for paying compensation, striking a body blow to the hopes of the miners.

Also, the miners' plea to allow them to fork out the compensation amount in tranches failed to find favour with the apex court ordering upfront payment of the entire amount.

The Supreme Court, adjudicating on a case of rampant illegal mining in Odisha filed by NGO Common Cause, on