AMRITLAL NATHUBHAI SHAH AND OTHERS vs UNION GOVERNMENT OF INDIA AND ANOTHER

The Supreme Court upheld the authority of the State Government to reserve areas for mineral exploitation in the public sector under the Mines and Minerals (Regulation and Development) Act, 1957. The Court ruled that the State, as the owner of the minerals, has the inherent right to reject applications for mining leases if the areas are reserved for public sector exploitation. The Court dismissed the appellants' claims, affirming that the State's actions were justified and in accordance with the provisions of the Act and its Rules.