The Odisha High Court has issued notices to the state and union government over the controversial deemed extension clause of Mineral Concession Rule (MCR), 1960, which allows miners to operate their mines even after the lease expiry under special cases.

The High Court, admitting a petition filed by Biswajit Mohanty to strike down the clause, has issued notices to state and union government. It has also issued an interim order saying that miners cannot operate the mines under the deemed extension clause without the leave of the court.

The Orissa High Court on Wednesday ordered the state government to take the court’s permission before allowing operation of mines that are functioning under deemed extension clause of the Mineral C

The Directorate of Mines on Monday informed the Supreme Court appointed Centrally Empowered Committee (CEC) that it has completed the process of lease renewal of 40 mines, which are working under deemed extension provision.

“The CEC queried about the status of mines operating under deemed extension provision. We informed them that we have sent recommendation letters for 40 mines out of 50 working under deemed extension basis. Rest of the cases will be expedited soon,” said Deepak Mohanty, after his meeting with CEC officials here on Monday.

As many as 54 mining leases in Odisha are operating under deemed extension following the expiry of their leases. The expiry period of the leases ranges from five to 25 years.

According to information given by minister for steel & mines Rajani Kant Singh in the state assembly, mine owners like Tata Steel, Jindal Steel & Power Ltd (JSPL), Odisha Mining Corporation (OMC), Essel Mining & Industries Ltd (EMIL), Mid East Integrated Steel Ltd, Ferro Alloys Corporation (FACOR), Rungta Sons and KJS Ahluwalia are operating their leases under deemed extension.