Kalpnath Singh vs Udai Nath & Ors

The Supreme Court held that the Allahabad High Court erred in quashing the mining lease granted to the appellant, as the respondent No.1's claim for preferential treatment under Rule 9(2)(e) of the Uttar Pradesh Minor Minerals (Concession) Rules, 1963 was not substantiated. The Court emphasized that the appellant's application was complete and that the respondent's late submission of the 'No Objection Certificate' did not invalidate the appellant's eligibility. The Court reinstated the mining lease in favor of the appellant, affirming the importance of adherence to procedural requirements in administrative decisions.