GEOMIN MINERALAS & MARKETING P.LTD. vs STATE OF ORISSA .

The Supreme Court upheld the Orissa High Court's decision to set aside the State Government's recommendation in favor of POSCO India Pvt. Ltd. for mineral lease, directing the State to reconsider Geomin Minerals & Marketing (P) Ltd.'s application with preferential rights as per Section 11(5) of the Mines and Minerals (Development and Regulation) Act, 1957. The Court emphasized the need for the State to record 'special reasons' in writing if it decides to invoke the provisions of the Act. The ruling reinforces the principle of fair consideration in mineral lease applications.