STATE OF RAJASTHAN vs HINDUSTAN ZINC LTD.

The Supreme Court upheld the Rajasthan High Court's decision quashing additional royalty demands made by the State under the Mines and Minerals (Development and Regulation) Act, 1957, specifically referencing Section 9, which governs the recovery of royalty. The Court found that the notices issued for additional royalty were legally invalid, confirming the High Court's ruling that the respondent, Hindustan Zinc Ltd., was not liable for the additional amounts claimed. Consequently, the appeals by both the State of Rajasthan and Hindustan Zinc Ltd. were resolved in favor of the latter, maintaining the status quo regarding royalty payments.