The Supreme Court on Monday directed the Goa government to respond to a petition alleging violation of its October 5 ban on mining and transportation of iron and manganese ore in the state. The forest bench led by Justice Aftab Alam also issued a notice to the Central Empowered Committee and two private companies accused of shipping out iron ore and posted the matter for further hearing on February 15.

The petition, filed by NGO Goa Foundation, alleged that the state government had allowed export of iron ore without verifying the firms’ claims that it was extracted in Maharashtra, not Goa.