ASSAM SILLIMANITE LTD. AND ANR. vs UNION OF INDIA AND ORS.

The Supreme Court held that the order dated 7th December 1972, which prematurely terminated the mining leases under Section 4A of the Mines and Minerals (Regulation and Development) Act, 1957, was null and void due to violation of natural justice principles, as no opportunity was given to the lessee to be heard. The Court followed the precedent set in State of Haryana v. Ram Kishan & Ors., [1988] 3 SCC 416, emphasizing the necessity of a hearing before termination. The Court ruled that the petitioner was entitled to compensation for the wrongful termination rather than reinstatement in possession of the leased premises.