The Supreme Court of India has delivered a significant ruling over iron ore mining lease at Curpem and Sulcorna Mineral Block-XI in South Goa. In a judgment delivered on Monday, the apex court dismissed Vedanta's appeal challenging the Goa government's decision to conduct a fresh e-auction for the mineral block. This decision effectively clears the path for the Goa government to proceed with the re-auction process.

The legal battle stemmed from a previous e-auction held on November 14, where Vedanta had emerged as the highest bidder. However, the auction process was subsequently challenged by another bidder, Agravanshi, who claimed to have encountered a "server error" during the crucial final bidding period. This alleged technical glitch prompted the Directorate of Mines and Geology (DMG) to allow Agravanshi to submit a revised bid, a decision that Vedanta contested.

Vedanta, represented by senior counsel Huzefa Ahmadi and counsel Ninad Laud, argued that the alleged technical issue was specific to Agravanshi and should not invalidate the entire auction process.

They emphasized that MSTC, the government's e-auction platform provider, had initially dismissed Agravanshi's claims of a technical failure. Vedanta contended that the DMG's decision to allow a revised bid lacked any scientific basis and was merely based on MSTC's opinion without any objective evidence to support the claim of a server error. They argued that the auction process, having concluded with their highest bid, should be considered final.

The case made its way to the Bombay High Court, which ruled against Vedanta on February 4, upholding the DMG's decision to proceed with a fresh auction. The High Court's ruling paved the way for the Goa government to restart the bidding process for the disputed mineral block. Vedanta, however, chose to challenge this ruling in the Supreme Court.

A bench headed by Justice Abhay S Oka heard Vedanta's appeal. After considering the arguments presented by both sides, the Supreme Court decided not to interfere with the High Court’s order, stating that it was not a “fit case for interference.” The apex court upheld the High Court’s ruling, effectively dismissing Vedanta’s plea and solidifying the legality of the Goa government's decision to conduct a fresh e-auction.

The Curpem & Sulcorna Mineral Block-XI is one of three iron ore blocks in Goa for which the state government had invited tenders in August 2023. With the legal hurdle now cleared, the Goa government can move forward with the re-auction of this block.