STATE OF HARYANA vs RAM KISHAN & ORS.

The Supreme Court upheld the High Court's decision that the termination of mining leases under Section 4A of the Mines & Minerals (Regulation & Development) Act was invalid due to the lack of prior notice and opportunity for the lessees to defend their interests. The Court clarified that Section 4A does not permit the State Government to unilaterally terminate leases without consultation with the Central Government and without affording affected parties a chance to be heard, thus violating principles of natural justice. The appeals by the State of Haryana and Haryana Minerals Limited were dismissed.