The Supreme Court has expressed shock at the magnitude of the alleged illegal export of 35 lakh metric tonnes of iron ore by private firms in Karnataka. The apex court said, it wants to explore the possibility if the guilty could be punished within six months. A three-judge forest bench, headed by Justice Aftab Alam, asked the Central Empowered Committee, CEC to suggest viable alternatives to ensure that those involved in illegal mining are convicted within six months and posted the matter for further hearing on September 7.