Tata Steel Ltd vs Uoi & Ors

The Supreme Court addressed appeals concerning the interpretation of royalty charges under Section 9 of the Mines and Minerals (Development and Regulation) Act, 1957 (MMDR Act). The Court held that TISCO is entitled to a refund of excess royalty paid from 10th August 1998 to 25th September 2000, as the High Court's denial was incorrect. Additionally, the Court clarified that royalty should be charged on Run-of-Mine (ROM) coal at the pit-head, not on processed coal, affirming the principles established in State of Orissa v. Steel Authority of India Ltd.