(a) whether the Government is aware of the recent observations of the Supreme Court
(SC) in which the apex court questioned the Centre’s authority over the rights of the
States to allocate coal blocks;
(b) if so, the details thereof ; and
(c) the reaction of the Government thereto?
MINISTER OF STATE IN THE MINISTRY OF COAL (SHRI PRATIK PRAKASHBAPU PATIL)
(a)to(c): In a W.P. (Criminal) No. 120 of 2012, the Hon’ble Supreme Court of India has given
order on 14.09.2012 directing Secretary, Ministry of Coal to submit counter affidavit on the
following aspects:
(i) The details of guidelines framed by the Central Government for allocation of subject
coal blocks.
(ii) The process adopted for allocation of subject coal blocks.
(iii) Whether the guidelines contain inbuilt mechanism to ensure that allocation does not
lead to distribution of largesse unfairly in the hands of few private companies?
(iv) Whether the guidelines strictly followed and objectives of the policy have been realized.?
(v) What were the reasons for not following the policy of competitive bidding adopted by
the Government of India way back in 2004 for allocation of coal blocks?
(vi) What steps have been taken or are proposed to be taken against the allottees who have
not adhered to the terms of allotment or breached the terms thereof?
The Government has since filed the affidavit on the above issues. The case was last
heard on 24th January, 2013 and the next date of hearing is 12th March, 2013.