Judgment :

It is brought to our notice that 18 temporary working permissions have been given for mining leases by the Ministry Environment and Forests (MoEF) in the State of Goa between 1-9-2007 to 30-11-2007. The learned amicus curiae points out that in these 18 cases opinion of CEC was not sought for nor was the matter brought to the notice of this Court and the entire mining area comes within the forest area of Goa.

2. The learned Solicitor General appearing for MoEF may give its response within a week. Post the matter on 14-12-2007.

All these parties – V.M. Salgaocar & Bros. (P). Ltd., Halder Kassim Khan, V.S. Dempo & Co. Ltd., Rajesh Timblo, Badrudin Mavani, Sova, M.S. Talaulicar & Bros., Hiru Bambo Gauns, Sociedade Tmmblo Irmaog, Emco Goa Ltd., G.N. Agarwal, and A.V.S. Velingkar be impleaded as respondents and notice be given to these parties who are granted temporary working permissions. Till such time these respondents are directed not to carry out any work under the temporary working permission.