#Judicial Deference

Supreme Court affirms legislative discretion in fiscal levies, ruling that royalty, District Mineral Foundation (DMF), and National Mineral Exploration Trust (NMET) contributions can be included in the 'sale value' for mineral royalty calculation under the MMDR Act. The judgment reinforces anti-evasion measures and validates subordinate legislation, impacting mining operators and state revenue frameworks.

The Karnataka High Court has directed Motor Accident Claims Tribunals to continue hearing claim petitions filed after the six-month limitation period under Section 166(3) of the Motor Vehicles Act, but strictly prohibited them from issuing final awards until the Supreme Court resolves the maintainability question in SLPs 8412-8413/2023. This interim framework protects claimants' access to justice while preserving the Supreme Court's ultimate authority on statutory limitation, affecting insurers, victims, and tribunals nationwide.

Jharkhand High Court rules that even caste certificates issued by competent authorities must strictly adhere to the format prescribed in job advertisements. Non-compliance disqualifies candidates from reservation benefits, regardless of good faith, reinforcing procedural rigidity in public employment.

The Uttarakhand High Court ruled that academic leadership experience at reputed non-UGC institutions (e.g., IIPA) qualifies under UGC Regulations 2018 for Vice-Chancellor eligibility, provided the institution meets equivalent academic and administrative standards. This expands the pool of eligible candidates beyond traditional university roles.

The Punjab and Haryana High Court dismissed petitions challenging promotional results, emphasizing that courts will not interfere in administrative selections unless mala fide or manifest arbitrariness is proven. The ruling underscores that mere disparities in marks or subjective grievances do not warrant judicial review, reinforcing the principle of deference to merit-based assessments in public employment.