M/S Som Datt Builders Ltd vs Union Of India & Ors

The Supreme Court addressed the classification of 'ordinary earth' as a 'minor mineral' under Section 3(e) of the Mines and Minerals (Development and Regulation) Act, 1957. The Court held that the Central Government's notification declaring 'ordinary earth' as a minor mineral is valid, affirming that such classification is within the powers conferred by the Act. The judgment clarified that the definition of 'minerals' does not preclude the inclusion of 'ordinary earth' for regulatory purposes.