Madan B. Lokur, J. - (1.) In this batch of substantive applications, we are concerned with what is described as "Illegalities involved in the mining lease of Sarda Mines Private Limited" by the Central Empowered Committee in its report of 16th October, 2014.
(2.) It is not necessary to repeat all the facts leading up to these applications since the background has already been detailed by us in Common Cause v. State of Orissa, 2017 9 SCC 499.
(3.) While dealing with the mining lease of Sarda Mines Private Limited, the Central Empowered Committee or the CEC concerned itself with seven issues. They are: 1. Regarding renewal of the mining lease. 2. Regarding validity of the Environmental Clearance. 3. Regarding sale of iron ore in the form of ROM by Sarda Mines Private Limited. 4. Regarding diversion of additional land for mining and allied activities 5. Regarding production of iron ore without/in excess of the Environmental clearance. 6. Regarding enquiry done by the State Government for alleged violation of Rule 37, MCR, 1960 [Mineral Concession Rules of 1960]. 7. Regarding alleged ownership of the mining lease actually being with Jindal Steel and Power Ltd.;