The Karnataka High Court said M/S Sandur Mangan and Iron Ores Ltd. (SMIORE) can perform mining activities in two mines located in Swamimalai and Ramanamalai Forest BLOCKS in the Ballari district until December 5, 2026, which is valid (FC) until 10 December, 2033, 203333333333.
However, the Court rejected the statement of the Union Government that the lease of mining rental of the company was expired 31.
The divisional bench composed of the main judge of the NV Anjaria and the Justice ARUN approved the order and at the same time set up a petition of the company and canceled the communication, issued by the Center in June 2014, stating that the FC granted to the company was a co-ending with respect to the two mining leases.
The bench pointed out that the lease of mining lease was considered to be an extension under the law, because the state government did not have an application for restoration in the specified period and later extended the lease period to 31 December 2033 by a retrospective effect since 2013; And the validity of the FC granted in 2007 is valid for 20 years, which is 5-10. December 2026.
There is no fresh FC by 2026
The bench also explained that the company is not obliged to provide fresh FC by 2026 since 2014 to perform mining activities because FC is valid for 20 years.
Meanwhile, the bench said that at this stage it is not necessary to consider an aspect of whether the FC would be valid and extended according to December 31, 2033, is premature decision on the problem. However, the court stated that the company should address the freedom of the authorities to extend the FC and, if necessary, to upset the matter at the relevant moment.
Smiore, founded by the Ghorpade family, was awarded the lease of mining rent for 20 years in 1954, although the mining operations in this leasing area began much before the Indian (Forest) Act of 1927, when the former Sandur ruler granted a Belgian company in the 29 square kilometers. This lease was transferred to SMIORE from 1 January 1954.
Published – May 7, 2025 17:41
