STATE OF TAMIL NADU vs M.P.P.KAVERY CHETTY

The Supreme Court upheld the High Court's decision striking down Rules 8D and 19B of the Tamil Nadu Minor Mineral Concession Rules, 1959, as unconstitutional under the Mines & Minerals (Regulation & Development) Act, 1957. The Court affirmed that the State must allow quarrying operations and transport of quarried materials without adherence to these rules, provided that royalty and seigniorage are paid. The judgment reinforces the principle that statutory rules must align with constitutional mandates and cannot impose unreasonable restrictions on lawful activities.