Snndur Manganese & Iron Ores Ltd vs State Of Karnataka & Ors

The Supreme Court addressed the appeals challenging the Karnataka High Court's judgment regarding mining leases under the Mines & Minerals (Development and Regulation) Act, 1957. The Court held that the State Government's rejection of Sandur Manganese & Iron Ores Ltd.'s lease applications violated Rule 26(1) of the Mineral Concession Rules, 1960, and principles of natural justice, thereby remanding the matter for reconsideration. The Court emphasized the need for adherence to statutory provisions in the grant of mining leases, reinforcing the rights of the original lessee.