#natural resources

The Karnataka High Court has ruled that authorities cannot execute a new sand quarry lease until disputes over arrears from a prior lease are resolved, reinforcing that statutory clearances are not mere formalities but condition precedents. This sets a critical precedent for mining authorities and tenderers across Karnataka, ensuring lease issuance aligns with fiscal and procedural integrity under the Mines and Minerals Act.

Rajasthan High Court reinforces the public trust doctrine, holding that land classified as 'Gair Mumkin Nala' (natural water channel) cannot be repurposed for roads or crematoriums. The ruling underscores the State's constitutional duty to protect natural resources, directly invoking Articles 21, 48-A, and 51-A(g) to prevent ecological degradation.

NGT holds that government land classified as 'gap area' and assigned to ex-servicemen does not trigger Public Trust Doctrine unless formally notified as forest or common resource.

Supreme Court holds that spectrum, as a public natural resource held in trust, cannot be subjected to IBC proceedings; ownership remains with the Union, not TSPs.