M/S Geomysore Services(I) Pvt. ... vs M/S Hutti Goldmines Co. Ltd. .

The Supreme Court addressed the powers of the Central Government under Section 17A(2) of the Mines and Minerals (Development and Regulations) Act, 1957, regarding the reservation of lands for state-owned companies. The Court held that the Central Government must consider the rights of existing reconnaissance permit holders like Geomysore and Deccan before approving reservations, emphasizing the need for adherence to the National Mineral Policy, 2008. The Court ruled in favor of the appellants, stating that their applications for prospecting licenses should be prioritized.