Panyam Cements And Minerals Ltd vs Union Of India & Ors

The Supreme Court addressed the issue of royalty payments under the Mines and Minerals (Regulation and Development) Act, 1957, specifically interpreting Section 9 regarding the revision of royalty rates. The Court held that the appellant was entitled to a refund of excess royalty paid between 11.10.1962 and 10.12.1971, as the rates were improperly applied following amendments to the Act. The ruling clarified the limits of the Central Government's authority to amend royalty rates and affirmed the appellant's claim for a refund based on the applicable rates during the specified period.