Judgment :

Having considered the recommendations contained in the report of the Central Empowered Committee dated 13-3-2012, we accept the said recommendations, which are quoted here-in-below:

The findings of the Joint Team and as modified after careful examination by CEC may be accepted and directed to be followed by the authorities concerned and the respective lessees, notwithstanding anything to the contrary. The boundaries of the mining leases should accordingly be fixed on the ground.

A ceiling of 25 million metric tones (MMT) for total production of iron ore from all the mining leases in District Bellary may be prescribed. A ceiling of 5 MMT for production of iron ore from all the mining leases in District Chitradurga and Tumkur together may be prescribed.

The proposed “guidelines for the preparation of the R&R Plans” may be approved by this Hon’ble Court and the prescriptions/provisions of the R&R Plans, prepared as per these guidelines, may be directed to be followed by the respective lessees and the authorities concerned.

The iron ore which becomes available should be used for meeting the iron ore requirement of the steel plants and associated industries located in Karnat