The Bombay High Court on Friday directed the Goa state government to provide police protection to facilitate the smooth transportation of iron ore by Sesa Resources Ltd from Pale, Bicholim, to the Amona jetty. Justice Jitendra Jain stated that the arrangement will enable the smooth transportation of iron ore so that the extracted ore can be used for captive purposes.
Background of the Case
Sesa Resources Ltd approached the court, alleging that certain workers previously employed by the company under an expired lease were obstructing the transportation of ore. The company argued that its business operations would be severely affected if the iron ore could not be moved from Pale Dock to the Amona jetty due to these obstructions.
Court's Ruling
The High Court acknowledged the company's concerns, noting that the inability to transport ore would lead to significant business disruption. Consequently, it directed the state authorities to provide police protection along the designated route.
However, the court also imposed a condition on Sesa Resources. The company must pay an additional 25% fee over and above the rate notified in 2017 for availing police services by a private party for commercial purposes. This fee applies to the protection provided for transporting ore from Pale via the route Bombay junction-Vagus-Kothambi-Surla to the Sesa Amona Jetty.
The order aims to balance the company's operational needs with the legal requirements for private use of police resources.
