STATE OF TAMIL NADU vs HIND STONE ETC.

The Supreme Court upheld the validity of Rule 8-C of the Tamil Nadu Minor Mineral Concession Rules, 1959, which bans the grant of leases for quarrying black granite to private parties. The Court found that the rule was enacted in good faith under the Mines and Minerals (Regulation and Development) Act, 1957, and did not violate Articles 301 and 303 of the Constitution. The Court concluded that the State Government's authority to regulate mineral resources was not misused for self-interest, thereby affirming the High Court's decision to strike down the applications based on Rule 8-C.