The Central government on Monday said that all natural resources cannot be put to auction as it will hamper the economic growth, reports NDTV.

In an affidavit, the government argued that the judiciary cannot intervene in the policy decisions of the government. The Supreme Court after cancelling 2G spectrum licences had directed the government to go for fresh auction. Later it had asked the government to auction all natural resources

In its affidavit, the Central government has said that “as per SC (Supreme Court) judgements it is not for (the) court to consider economic merits of policies”.

“The apex court has repeatedly held that courts do not interfere with government policy decisions,” the government said.

The government had moved the apex court through a Presidential Reference seeking clarification on whether auctioning of all natural resources was mandatory as per the February 2 judgement. Following the Supreme Court's order, which also fined some telecom companies, former telecom minister,

 “Allocation of natural resources involves complex technical, economical and social issues and depends on the nature and utility,” the government said in its affidavit, adding that “revenue only cannot be the criteria, other factors have to be kept in mind”.

According to PTI, the submissions of the government came in response to the questions framed by the apex court on Presidential Reference moved by it (government) for its opinion on issues arising out of its 2G spectrum allocation judgement including whether auctioning of natural resources across all sectors is mandatory.

Supporting the policy of first come first serve, the government said, "Ultimately the method of allocation of natural resources, apart from being governed by the principles of fairness and transparency, should also take into account the dynamic concept of public interest which also includes within its ambit the larger economic perspective and not merely financial gain."