RANJAN GOGOI, J. - (1.) This application has been filed by the Karnataka Iron and Steel Manufacturers Association seeking the following reliefs: - a) Allow the instant application and direct NMDC to restrain from adopting differential pricing mechanism for the iron ore sold in the e -auction in the State of Karnataka. b) Direct the CEC/Monitoring Committee to fix the floor price of iron ore on realistic grounds and to ensure that NMDC does not take undue advantage of acute shortage of iron ore availability in the State of Karnataka. c) Pass any such further orders/directions which this Hon'ble Court may deem fit and proper in the interest of justice.
(2.) Specifically it is contended on behalf of the applicant -Association that the NMDC had all along been fixing the floor price/sale price by adopting PAN India Uniform pricing. However, since April, 2016 by taking advantage of an increased demand a differential pricing policy has been adopted so far as State of Karnataka is concerned and the identical floor price/sale price that was prevailing in respect of the States of Chhattisgarh and Karnataka has been altered and the floor price for Karnataka has been increased. Hence the prayers made.
(3.) Comments of the C.E.C. on the prayers made in I.A. No.259 of 2016 have been called for and received. The stand of the NMDC and the State of Karnataka has also been submitted in writing. One M/s. Vedanta Limited, a lessee of a 'B' category mine, has filed an application for permission to file reply to I.A. No.259 and has opposed the prayers made therein.;