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.