MANOHAR LAL Vs. STATE OF RAJASTHAN

JUDGEMENT

(1.) Though the matter has been listed in the 'Fresh' category, at the joint request of both the parties, the matter is heard finally today itself.

(2.) This writ petition has been filed challenging the communication dtd. 21/4/2024 (Annex.21) issued by the respondent no. 2 whereby the petitioner was informed that the mining lease of the petitioner was coming to an end from 9/5/2024. The petitioner also prayed that the respondent authorities be restrained from terminating the mining lease on 9/5/2024 and taking any coercive action against the petitioner. The petitioner has also sought directions to the respondent no. 3 to issue EC in favour of the petitioner and also the cost of the writ petition to be allowed in favour of the petitioner. Certain ancillary relief(s) have also been sought by the petitioner.

(3.) Briefly stated, the facts of this petition are that the petitioner applied for the mining lease of mineral bajri in the 376.5088 hectare area situated in Tehsil Amet, District Rajsamand ) 'mining lease area' in the year 2013 and vide order dtd. 26/2/2013 (Annex.1), the Joint Secretary to the Government, approved the mining lease for 5 years in favour of the petitioner. Subsequently, the petitioner submitted its application for Environment Clearance ('EC') on 12/11/2013 and the Terms of Reference have been issued to the petitioner on 9/12/2013.