K'taka admits petition against mining at Bhagamandala

Bangalore, Aug 24 (UNI) The Karnataka High Court today admitted a writ petition (PIL) challenging the legality of the mining licence issued to a person for carrying on mining of minerals in an extent of land at Bhagamandala, the origin of river Cauvery, in Kodagu district.

The petitioner, K P Poovaiah, a resident of Hosabeedi village in Kodagu, said as an order had already been issued not to renew the licence of B Sardar, the official concerned had issued a new licence to him for two years from May 20 last. The same was illegal and against public interest, he argued.

The Bench, comprising Chief Justice Cyriac Joseph and Mr Justice K Ramanna, admitted the petition and granted stay of the impugned licence and further directed the respondent official to be rpesent in the court with records.

It also asked Sardar not to carry out any mining activity and posted the case for hearing to September 14.

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