M/S. Indian Charge Chrome Ltd. & Anr vs Union Of India & Ors

The Supreme Court addressed the grant of mining leases under the Mines and Minerals (Regulation and Development) Act, 1957, emphasizing the need for fair assessment of competing applications. The Court held that the recommendations of expert committees, such as the Sharma and Dash Committees, must be adhered to, and any deviation without proper justification undermines the process. The judgment reinforced the principle that pending applications should be considered before granting leases, ensuring transparency and fairness in the allocation of mineral resources.