#MMDR Act

The Odisha High Court ordered the state to execute OCL Iron & Steels Ltd.’s mining lease within eight weeks, finding that the selective refusal breached Article 14’s equality guarantee. This mandates uniform treatment for all applicants under the MMDR Act, affecting pending lease approvals across the state.

Supreme Court rules stamp duty for mining leases must be computed on anticipated royalty under Section 26 proviso of the Indian Stamp Act, 1899, rejecting dead rent as the basis. The decision impacts lease valuation and stamp duty liability for mining operators nationwide.

Supreme Court rules that the State's statutory authority under Section 15(3) of the MMDR Act to revise royalty rates prevails over silence in mining lease deeds. The judgment reinforces that statutory provisions override contractual gaps, ensuring compliance with Rules of Business for minor minerals.

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 Supreme Court ruled that the State's power under Section 15(3) of the MMDR Act to revise royalty and dead rent prevails over mining lease deeds silent on revision. The 50% enhancement was upheld as non-arbitrary, and Chief Minister's approval satisfied Rules of Business compliance, setting a precedent for statutory authority over contractual terms.

The Madhya Pradesh High Court struck down Rule 18 of the 2022 Mineral Rules for imposing fines above Rs.5 lakh, holding it ultra vires Section 21(2) of the MMDR Act, 1957. This sets a critical precedent limiting state-level rulemaking in mining regulation and protects miners and transporters from arbitrary penalties beyond statutory limits.

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.

The Rajasthan High Court has ruled that mining leaseholders cannot be held liable for District Mineral Fund contributions dating back to January 2015, as the Central Government failed to prescribe mandatory rates by that date. This decision reinforces the principle that statutory financial obligations require clear, timely notification and cannot be imposed retrospectively, directly impacting all non-coal mining operators across India.

J&K High Court rules that extraction of minor minerals (sand, boulders) from nallahs or private land requires statutory concession under the MMDR Act, 1957. Ownership, past practice, or royalty payments do not confer legal rights, and courts cannot direct authorities to bypass statutory compliance. The ruling reinforces the Public Trust Doctrine, impacting livelihoods dependent on unregulated mineral extraction.

Chhattisgarh High Court holds that seized vehicles must be released on supurdnama if ownership is established and no identification purpose remains, citing Supreme Court precedents.

NGT holds that state notifications exempting sand mining from environmental clearances violate national environmental law and cannot override statutory mandates under MMDR Act.

NGT directs joint committee to investigate illegal mining in Madhya Pradesh, emphasizing statutory compliance under MMDR and Environment Protection Acts.

The CETAT holds that royalty and dead rent collected for mining leases are not taxable as renting of immovable property, as it constitutes a sovereign function under MMDR Act, 1957.