Basant Kumar vs State Of Rajasthan & Ors.

The Supreme Court addressed the validity of Rule 21 and Rule 65-A of the Rajasthan Minor Minerals Concession Rules, 1986, in light of Section 15 of the Mines & Minerals (Regulation & Development) Act, 1957. The Court held that the State Government cannot frame rules that contravene the provisions of the Act, particularly regarding the enhancement of dead rent and royalty, which is limited to once every four years as per the proviso to Section 15(3). The Court ultimately upheld the High Court's dismissal of the writ petition, affirming the legality of the existing rules and the government's authority to revise rates within the specified limits.