#deemed extension

Karnataka High Court clarifies that deemed extension under Rule 8A of the Karnataka Minor Mineral Concession Rules is not automatic for expired leases, even over government lake beds. The ruling mandates that only leases with pending renewal applications at the time of expiry qualify, impacting quarry operators and environmental compliance.

Karnataka High Court rules that Rule 8A of the KMMC Amendment Rules, 2016, which grants a 20-year lease extension, does not apply retroactively to leases expired before its effective date. The court upholds the validity of a one-year extension under the repealed Rule 21(2A) but prohibits quarrying on recorded forest land, impacting leaseholders and state mineral concession policies.

Allahabad HC rules that lessees failing to comply with environmental clearance and mining plan requirements cannot claim deemed extension under Section 8A(6) of the MMDR Act, even if renewal applications were filed. The judgment underscores strict adherence to statutory conditions for lease renewals, impacting mining operators across Uttar Pradesh.