JOIN USIn a written submission, the CBI had stated that it was ready to probe the matter, if the court considered it as a ‘special case’ in which event prior permission from the State government too is not required.
“Prior permission of the state government is not required for cases of this nature under Section 5 of Delhi Special Police Act, 1946. The court can direct the government to extend necessary assistance to the CBI,” it said.
The Division Bench headed by Chief Justice J S Khehar has been hearing a petition filed by freedom fighter H S Doreswamy charging the government with not taking any steps to check illegal mining in the State.
According to the petitioner, forest area in Bellary, Chitradurga and Tumkur have been encroached for mining and even centuries’ old Suggalamma temple in Bellary has been destroyed for illegal mining.
The CBI further submitted that it has registered cases against Obulapuram Mining Company and others under Indian Forest Act, Mines and Mineral Development Act and Prevention of Corruption Act. Cases have also been registered against public servants.