V RAJLAL MANILAL & CO. vs UNION OF INDIA AND ANR.

The Supreme Court held that the Union Government, while reviewing the State Government's refusal to renew a mining approval certificate under Rule 59 of the Mines Concession Rules, acts as a quasi-judicial authority. The Court found that the Union Government violated the principles of natural justice by considering reports from the State Government without informing the appellants or allowing them an opportunity to be heard. Consequently, the Court declared the Union Government's order void and upheld the appellants' right to a fair hearing as mandated by natural justice principles.