The Delhi High Court has asked Tata Steel to deposit Rs 50,000 in the Prime Minister's Relief Fund for delay in challenging a decision of the Chhattisgarh government, which rejected its claim (Tatas) on iron ore mines in Rawghat.
The court's direction came on a petition filed by the steel giant challenging the order of the Mines tribunal, which had rejected the company's appeal on the grounds that the Tatas had delayed in approaching the tribunal.
Justice S Ravindra Bhat, after hearing all the parties, including the Centre, said that the appeal deserved to be heard on merit and asked the company to deposit Rs 50,000 for the delay in approaching the tribunal.
"Since the petitioner (Tata Steel) did file a belated appeal, this court is of (the) opinion that it would be appropriate that it is put to terms accordingly, it shall deposit Rs 50,000 with the PM's Relief Fund within four weeks," the court said, adding that "its appeal shall be heard and (disposed of) on its merits".
The Tatas are building a steel plant in Rawghat.
The court also directed the tribunal to hear the contention of Jayaswal Neco Industries (JNIL), which has a dispute with the state government regarding the mines in Rawghat and Bailedila. JNIL is also setting up a steel plant in the area and was promised around 1,600 hectares by the state government.
