M/S. MEDLEY MINERALS INDIA LTD. vs STATE OF ORISSA

The Supreme Court upheld the validity of the quarry lease transfer under the Orissa Minor Mineral Concessions Rules, 1990, specifically Rule 12, affirming that the transfer from Jitendra Kumar Lohia to Medley Minerals India Private Limited was lawful despite the High Court's cancellation. The Court emphasized that the application for renewal and transfer were appropriately linked, and the competent authority's decision to grant the transfer was justified. The judgment reinstated the lease, allowing the appellant to continue operations until the lease's original expiry date of 10th February 2003.