#Mines and Minerals Act

Andhra Pradesh High Court rules that indefinite detention of vehicles under AP Minor Mineral Rules is illegal without penalty imposition. The court mandates release upon levy of penalty, reinforcing procedural safeguards against arbitrary seizures and upholding Article 14 and 19(1)(g) rights of transporters.

The Chhattisgarh High Court ruled that prolonged police custody of a seized tractor-trolley, without any ongoing investigative necessity, violates property rights under Article 21 and invites avoidable damage from weather exposure. This sets a precedent for owners of seized vehicles in mining-related cases to seek release on Supurdnama when the asset's value is at risk and its retention serves no evidentiary purpose.

Karnataka High Court holds that a Special Investigation Team (SIT) formed pursuant to Supreme Court directions is a valid complainant under the CrPC, overturning a discharge order that erroneously demanded a private complaint. The ruling clarifies prosecutorial authority in cases investigated by court-mandated SITs, impacting illegal mining and other high-profile investigations.

Telangana High Court holds that unexplained delay in deciding revision petitions and representations under OTS Scheme violates principles of natural justice, mandating timely adjudication.