Panaji (Goa): Claims condonation was granted by Centre much before the powers given to the State

Mining baron Prafulla Hede, in the news over alleged illegal condonation of delay, has shot back at the charges arguing that condonation of delay in applying for renewal of his mining lease at Collem was carried out by the Center in 1992-93 year. He slammed the Directorate of Mines & Geology Department for the ‘goof up’ resulting in a criminal case against him. 

“The State government had no powers to condone the delay and was duty bound to comply with Central government’s directions. The condonation of delay in applying for renewal of Collem Mine license was done in 1992-93 to the central government and the order was passed by the central government on February 9, 1993 to the State government in exercise of its revisionary powers for compliance by the latter,” Hede told a press conference, a week after he deposed before the special investigation team (SIT) pertaining to the case. 

Hede is facing charges for operating his mine illegally as he got the condonation as late as 2007 year when Digambar Kamat was the Chief Minister of the State. The mine owner also denied any active involvement in politics. “The file with the former government had discrepancies. How can I apply for condonation when I had already received by the Centre previously? The file might have reached the CM for lease deed. It is a goof up by Mines Department,” he alleged. 

He also denied links with specific political party claiming he is in general contact with some politicians across all parties. The mine owner was asked about why didn’t approach the High Court seeking quashing of the FIR against him, to which he pat replied, “The case will die slowly.  SIT will understand that this case has nothing against me, and it will be closed on its own.”

 

Team TNV