The Jharkhand Government on Tuesday sought an additional day to file its affidavit before the Supreme Court in the Saranda Sanctuary case. The matter was heard by a bench comprising Chief Justice of India B.R. Gavai and Justice K. Vinod Chandran. Senior advocate Kapil Sibal, appearing for the State, requested that the next hearing be scheduled for Friday, citing the need for more time to finalise the details.
Also Read: Cabinet Approved Wildlife Sanctuary Status for Part of Saranda Forest in West Singhbhum
SAIL’s Concerns Addressed by the Bench
During the hearing, counsel for Steel Authority of India Limited (SAIL) raised certain issues relating to the mining area within the proposed sanctuary limits. However, Chief Justice Gavai clarified that SAIL had already been granted protection under the court’s earlier order and that the scope of the present hearing was limited to the state’s affidavit. The next date of hearing has been fixed for 17th October.
Court Earlier Allowed Reduced Sanctuary Area
At the previous hearing on 8th October, the Supreme Court had allowed Jharkhand to declare 31468.25 hectares of land as a wildlife sanctuary in place of the initially proposed 57519.41 hectares, following the state’s request. The court had also permitted SAIL and other valid iron ore leaseholders to remain outside the sanctuary’s impact zone. The state government had argued that it was complying with NGT directions, but needed time to identify the revised area to avoid affecting ongoing mining operations. With the affidavit now pending, the court’s final decision on the new sanctuary boundaries is expected after the 17th October hearing.
Also Read: Government Declared Limestone a Major Mineral, Removed End-Use Restrictions
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