Plea in SC questions JVs for coal extraction

A fresh application was filed in the Supreme Court on Tuesday, questioning the permission granted for coal blocks extraction to some private players by state-owned entities through joint ventures. 

Advocate M L Sharma, who had earlier approached the apex court with a PIL seeking cancellation of coal blocks allocation due to alleged irregularities, has filed the application contending that different state governments had made allocation to a group of private companies by entering into subsequent agreements with them.

“All actions for the coal block allotment to the government companies, for coal extraction under joint venture are a serious criminal conspiracy, a new and indirect root for allotment to private companies and individuals,” the application alleged.

The applicant referred to private companies like Eastern Mineral and Trading Agency situated at Murgasole, Asansol, which, he alleged, was being controlled by Chandan Basu, son of veteran CPM leader, the late Jyoti Basu, through one “shadow worker” Ujjal Upadhyay. “Petitioner is under apprehension that  maximum coal block has been allotted indirectly to private agencies like EMTA, which has a JV with West Bengal Power Development Corporation Ltd for extraction of coal and others under the garb of joint venture and allotment to state government companies, which are liable to be called upon for further scrutiny by this court,” the application said.