HC notice to SJTA over cancelling stone quarry lease

Cuttack: Orissa high court’s vacation bench on Friday issued a notice to Shree Jagannath Temple Administration (SJTA) on the cancellation of the lease of its stone quarry in Khurda district’s Kaipada area and blacklisting of the leaseholder.The vacation bench of Justices S K Sahoo and M S Raman also issued notices to the additional secretary, revenue and disaster management department, collector and district magistrate (Khurda), sub-collector (Khurda) and tehsildar (Khurda). Lease of the Sankhari South new building stone quarry of the Puri Jagannath Temple was cancelled due to alleged laches (unreasonable delay in asserting a claim) and violations by the leaseholder. The leaseholder’s security deposits to SJTA were forfeited and he was ordered to pay Rs 3.24 crore towards land revenue in notices issued on Dec 28, 2023, and Aug 2 this year. The leaseholder filed a petition in HC challenging the cancellation of the lease and blacklisting. Appearing on the petitioner’s behalf, senior advocate Subir Palit submitted the petitioner neither received the notice cancelling the lease nor any information regarding the blacklisting from participating in any future auction. Thus, the petitioner was blacklisted without being given any opportunity for a hearing, Palit contended. Taking note of this, the bench issued notices and scheduled the matter for a hearing in the week starting from Nov 11, and asked the respondents to file their replies by then.

Plea to restore, reclaim abandoned stone quarries

The Madras high court has requested a status report on a plea to restore abandoned stone quarries in Madurai. Advocate B Stalin's petition highlights that unused quarry sites in multiple villages are dangerous, causing deaths of humans and cattle. Despite regulations mandating reclamation, quarry operators have failed to comply. The court intervention seeks to prevent further loss of life.

HC notice to govt over plea to cancel bail of accused in gangrape case

Justice M R Mengdey has issued a notice to the Gujarat state government and a trustee of DB Kanya Chhatralaya in Rajkot district over a petition to cancel the bail of a man accused in a gang rape case.

NGT issues notice on heavy metals in dists

National Green Tribunal has taken suo motu cognizance of a TOI report highlighting heavy metal pollution in East Delhi and other areas. Notices have been issued to various environmental bodies, demanding responses by February 6. The report reveals alarming levels of heavy metals like lead and cadmium in PM2.5, causing serious health concerns.

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