State Of Karnataka & Ors vs Janthakal Enterprises & Anr

The Supreme Court addressed the legality of the renewal of a mining lease under the Forest (Conservation) Act, 1980, specifically Section 2, which mandates obtaining forest clearance prior to such renewal. The Court held that the retrospective renewal of the mining lease granted by the State Government was invalid due to the absence of necessary clearances, and emphasized that any mining activity conducted without these approvals is unauthorized. The appeal by the State of Karnataka was dismissed, affirming the rejection of the renewal application.