GEM GRANITES vs STATE OF T.N. .

The Supreme Court examined the validity of rule 8-C and rule 38 of the Tamil Nadu Minor Mineral Concession Rules, 1959, in light of Section 17-A of the Mines & Minerals (Regulation & Development) Act, 1957. The Court held that the amendments made by G.O.M.No.214 on 10th June 1992, which restrict leasing of certain minerals to private entities, are valid as they align with the legislative intent to reserve mineral rights for government entities. The Court upheld the legality of the rules, affirming the state's authority to regulate mineral concessions.