SC seeks Centre's response on Jharkhand govt's plea against auction of coal blocks

The Supreme Court on Tuesday asked the Central government to file a response on a plea filed by Jharkhand government challenging the former's decision to auction nine coal blocks in the state for commercial mining.

A three-judge bench headed by Chief Justice of India (CJI) Sharad Arvind Bobde asked the Centre to file a reply on the petition filed by Jharkhand government.

The state government had moved the apex court challenging the decision contending that the move to virtually auction coal blocks, nine of which are in Jharkhand, will not benefit the state amid the prevailing COVID-19 pandemic.

The state will incur a loss as it would not fetch the market price, the plea said.

Jharkhand Advocate General Rajiv Ranjan had said that a proper assessment related to the adverse impact on a huge tribal population and forests has not been done and added that a detailed study covering all aspects of the decision is required.

Earlier, Prime Minister Narendra Modi had launched the auction of 41 coal mines for commercial mining and reiterated his call for India to become self-reliant in energy by reducing imports.

The rollout of commercial coal mining is part of the series of announcements made by the Centre under the 'Atmrbhar Bharat Abhiyan'. It is expected to boost private sector participation which will, in turn, lead to higher production and enhance competition.

( With inputs from ANI )