Times of India reported that the Nagpur bench of Bombay high court has served notices to central and state governments over plea by businessman challenging union mines ministry's rejection of state industries minister recommendations for granting him mining lease for iron ore in Chimur in Chandrapur district.

A single judge bench comprising Justice Vasanti Naik asked the respondents to file reply before January 5, which was fixed as next hearing date.

Mr Ghanshyam Popat contended that joint secretary of union mining ministry had set aside the industries minister's orders on technical grounds instead of merits and had remanded the matter back to the state.

Mr Mohit Khajanchi is counsel for the petitioner.

The minister on July 7, 2008, recommended Mr Popat's name for mining lease for iron ore over at Bhisi village as per Section 11(3) of the Mines and Minerals (Development and Regulation) Act, 1957. He argued that secretary's order suffers from ignorance of basic principles of law and flouts solemnity of principles of natural justice.

(Sourced from TOI)