Supreme Court asks Karnataka Govt. to allow export of iron ore

New Delhi, Feb 11 (ANI): The Supreme Court on Friday directed the Karnataka Government to allow the export of iron ore that has piled up in major ports of the state.

An apex court bench comprising Justice R.V. Raveendran and Justice A.K. Patnaik also directed the Karnataka Government to notify a proposed new law to check illegal mining in the state by March 31.

The apex court further said if the state government does not bring the proposed law into force by the end of March, mining firms would be entitled to get interim relief.

The piling of iron ore at these ports took place following a ban imposed by the State Government in July 2010 in the wake of widespread allegations of illegal mining.

The directives of the apex court came over a plea filed by mining firms challenging two orders of the Karnataka Government banning the transportation of iron ore within the state and exports from ports. (ANI)