Dalmia Cement (Bharat) Ltd vs State Of Tamil Nadu & Anr

The Supreme Court upheld the authority of the Government of Tamil Nadu to revise the rates of royalty and dead rent for mining leases over patta lands under the Mines and Minerals (Regulation and Development) Act, 1957. The Court found that the previous practice of levying half rates was not based on any statutory provision and resulted in significant revenue loss to the Government. The Court dismissed the writ petitions filed by cement companies challenging the government's order, affirming that the full rates prescribed in the Act must be collected henceforth.