The director of Karnataka's Mines and Geology Department has recommended forwarding representations on Ballari mining leases to the Justice Dhulia Committee and the Central Empowered Committee.
In a letter dated July 17, 2026, the director informed the state government that a representation from petitioners Tapal Ekambaram and Tapal Ganesh should go before the Justice Dhulia Committee. The committee was set up by the Supreme Court to examine issues involving the Obulapuram Mining Company and the inter-state forest boundary dispute.
The department stated it lacked authority to decide the matters raised. These include re-examination of Mining Lease No. 2527, removal of an alleged 68.5-hectare overlap with an OMC lease, restoration of village boundaries, and action against the company following a CBI court judgment.
The Supreme Court had directed the committee on February 24, 2026, to review alleged encroachment, lease overlaps, illegal mining, and losses to the public exchequer. The case is listed before the court on August 13, 2026.