The writ appeal by B Kumara Gouda of Bellary challenged a HC single judge’s interim order staying operation of his mining lease granted on February 27, 2006. He said the interim stay had been granted in course of a writ petition by M/s Shatavahana Ispat Limited, whose mining application had been rejected in 2001.

The Bench posted the appeal for final hearing and disposal to Jan 31, while directing the Government counsel to instruct Mines Director to be personally present in the court at the hearing, along with original government files concerning the issue.