M/S.Ram Bahadur Thakur Ltd. v. Union Of India

IN THE HIGH COURT OF ORISSA AT CUTTACK

W.P (C) No. 278 of 2017 M/s. Rambahadur Thakur Ltd.

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Petitioner Mr. Debasis Das, Advocate Vs.

Union of India & Ors.

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Opposite parties Mr.P.K. Parhi, ASGI (O.Ps.1 & 2) Mr. P.P. Mohanty, AGA (O.P.3)

CORAM:

DR. JUSTICE B.R. SARANGI MISS JUSTICE SAVITRI RATHO

ORDER

20.04.2022 Order No.

This matter is taken up through hybrid mode.

2.

Heard Mr. Debasis Das, learned counsel for the petitioner; Mr. P.K. Parhi, learned Assistant Solicitor General of India for opposite party no.2 and Mr. P.P. Mohanty, learned Additional Government Advocate for opposite parties no.1 & 3. 3.

Mr. P.P. Mohanty, learned Additional Government Advocate for the petitioner contended that in view of amendment to the provisions contained in Section 10-A(2)(c) of the Mines & Minerals (Development & Regulation) Act, 1957, the lease has lapsed. Even if the petitioner succeeds in the revision application itself, in view of promulgation of amended provision of Section10-A(2)(c), nothing remains to be adjudicated. It is contended that in view of provisions contained in Section-10-A(2)(d) in cases where the right to obtain licence and lease has lapsed under Clauses-(b) & (c), such areas shall be put up for auction as per the provisions of the Act and that has been incorporated by way of

amendment dated 28.03.2021. But the said provision has not been challenged by the opposite parties before this Court. Even though vires of Section-10-A(2)(a) was challenged, the matter is pending before the supreme Court of India.

4.

In view of above submission, the writ petition stands disposed of.

5.

It is open to the petitioner to take necessary steps for challenging the vires of Section 10-A(2)(a) of the Act before the Supreme Court of India.

Alok/Sukanta (DR. B.R. SARANGI) JUDGE (SAVITRI RATHO) JUDGE