KANGRA VALLEY SLATE CO. LTD. vs STATE OF PUNJAB & ORS.

The Supreme Court upheld the validity of Rule 28(1) of the Mines Concession Rules, 1960, which mandates that applications for renewal of mining leases must be submitted at least six months prior to the lease's expiration. The Court ruled that this time limit is mandatory, not directory, and that the appellant's application, submitted after the deadline, was invalid. Furthermore, the Court clarified that Rule 28 does not violate Section 13(2) of the Mines and Minerals (Regulations and Development) Act, 1957, as it falls within the Central Government's authority to regulate mining lease grants.