P.VIJAYAPAL REDDY & ORS. vs GOVERNMENT OF INDIA

The Supreme Court upheld the High Court's decision to dismiss the appellants' application to quash criminal proceedings against them for violating Rule 21(1)(ii) of the Mineral Conservation and Development Rules, 1958, which mandates the employment of a qualified geologist or mining engineer. The Court emphasized that the classification of 'Shahabad Stones' as minor minerals under the Andhra Pradesh Minor Mineral Concession Rules, 1966, requires factual determination, and thus, the High Court's refusal to interfere at an interlocutory stage was justified. The Court held that the appellants' claims did not warrant quashing the proceedings at this preliminary stage, affirming the High Court's ruling.