M/S SOM DATT BUILDERS LTD. vs UNION OF INDIA

The Supreme Court examined the validity of the Central Government's notification declaring 'ordinary earth' as a 'minor mineral' under Section 3(e) of the Mines and Minerals (Development and Regulation) Act, 1957. The Court held that 'ordinary earth' qualifies as a mineral, thus affirming the notification's legality. The ruling clarified the definition of 'minerals' and upheld the imposition of royalty under the Uttar Pradesh Minor Minerals (Concession) Rules, 1963, confirming the government's authority to classify minerals.