Daijiworld Media Network – Bangalore (SP)

Bangalore, Sep 24: On Thursday September 23, the writ petitions filed by the Truck Owners Union relating to the orders banning transport of iron ore by road to Mangalore, Karwar and Belekeri ports, issued by the deputy commissioners of Uttara Kannada and Dakshina Kannada districts, were voluntarily withdrawn.

In July last, the deputy commissioners of the above districts had banned movement of trucks carrying iron ore on the roads within the districts, claiming that they result in extensive damages to the roads during monsoon months. The Truck Owners Union and some transport companies had filed writ petitions, seeking a stay against the ban orders. The division bench headed by Justice N K Patil had earlier adjourned hearing in the cases, while refusing to grant stay as prayed.

These writ petitions came up for hearing before a division bench comprising Chief Justice J S Kehar, and Justice A S Bopanna. The petitioner however, refused to withdraw the writ filed against the ban order passed by the deputy commissioner of Hassan district. Taking umbrage at this attitude, the Chief Justice questioned them as to whether they expect the High Court to allow the trucks to move about and inflict damages to the roads.

The voluntary withdrawal of the writ petitions by the petitioners is considered to be a setback for the owners of mines, who were hoping to get a favourable order.