BHARAT COKING COAL LTD. vs STEEL ABRASERS & ALLIED PRODCUTS

The Supreme Court held that Bharat Coking Coal Limited, as a 'State' under Article 12, cannot charge service fees beyond the fixed price for hard coke as per the notification dated December 27, 1991, issued under the Colliery Control Order, 1945. The Court emphasized that while coal and coke are distinct commodities, the statutory price fixation prohibits any additional charges. The High Court's writ of mandamus was upheld, preventing the appellant from demanding service charges from the respondent.