In a major legal development, the High Court of Bombay at Goa has refrained from interfering with a misleading legal challenge that sought to halt mining transportation. This development exposes a blatant attempt to obstruct legitimate operations for vested interests. The Court was sympathetic to the livelihood concerns of mining employees, truck operators, and other stakeholders. This decision is not just a legal victory but also a significant boost to Goa’s economic stability, ensuring continued functioning of an industry that supports thousands of livelihoods. The ruling strengthens the importance of regulated mining sector, which is still recovering from the after effects of mining ban and remains vulnerable to false narratives & negative propaganda.
Petitioner’s Lies Uncovered
This case, filed by Anil Salelkar under the guise of public interest, was revealed to be an orchestrated effort to block mining transportation for vested interest. Salelkar, who is an ex-worker of Sesa Mining Corporation Ltd., and a resident of Piligao had previously publicly vowed to obstruct ore transportation unless his illegitimate demands were met.
Salelkar had made false statements under sworn affidavit before the Court that he has no role to play in the transport blockade of iron ore from Bicholim mineral block. However, when this was countered through his own press statements & photographs suggesting his key role in continued blockade of transportation till illegitimate demands are met thereby leaving him with no choice but to issue an unconditional apology to the Court. His affidavit admitted to him making false & incorrect statements. Vedanta Sesa Goa lawyers had argued that Salelkar was driving an individual agenda with vested interest under the garb of the PIL and seeking to arm twist the Company for vested interests.
When faced with evidence of his direct involvement in illegal blockades, Salelkar had no option but to withdraw his intervention and undertake that he would not obstruct transportation in any manner.
Mr Satish Gaonkar, President Bicholim Truck Owner’s Association said, said “Mining operations have resumed after a hiatus of almost a decade and are being conducted as per legally mandated mining auction regime and other rules and regulations as applicable. It is regrettable that some individuals are misusing the legal remedies for vested interests and filing these petition premised on falsehoods.”
What This Means for Goa’s Mining Industry
This ruling sends a strong message that legal systems will support economic activities that sustain & support thousands of livelihoods. The exposure of falsehoods reinforces the need for fact-based discussions around mining operations rather than misleading narratives designed to create roadblocks.
Commenting on the development , Mr Glenn Kalavampara , Secretary GMOEA, said “ Mining operations have commenced after a hiatus of almost a decade and are being conducted under stringent Rules and Regulations. Bulk of the realizations benefit the State’s Government by substantial revenue. Transportation of Ores post extraction is equally crucial too for mining operations. At the same time, it must be realized that options of additional routes for transportation are not to be seen as a gross violation if the Government and Authority are mindful on such needs as well as to reduce traffic density too”.
As the dust settles, one thing remains clear: truth has prevailed over deception.
