Commentary on law of mines and minerals alongwith state rules as ammended

It gives us immense pleasure in introducing this maiden edition, an exhaustive commentary on the Laws of Mines and Minerals and related laws. In the recent past, this sector has been in the news for all the wrong reasons. As trusted by Government of India, on being Head and part of the Commission for inquiry into Illegal mining of iron and manganese ores, we have had the opportunity of being associated with unearthing of massive anomalies connected with this Sector.

During the course of inquiring into illegal mining by Justice M.B. Shah Commission set up by the Supreme Court, we came across various nuances, violations, illegalities, irregularities and shortcomings in this Sector. Also we noticed rampant corruption in various forms by vested individuals and groups associated directly or indirectly. As a part of the Commission we had to unearth, suggest ways and means to overcome the problems, challenges and measures to be taken, so that a balanced approach could be suggested. During this limited journey, we enhanced our knowledge and understanding on Laws of Mines and Minerals, which prompted us to share this useful insight with the readers who would be interested in this field.

Judicial activism has given more clarity and depth to the Statutes, various important cases have paved the way for pro active legislations on Mines and Minerals sector. One of the historical cases is of Godavarman's casel. Rivers, Forests, Minerals and such other resources constitute a nation's natural wealth. These resources are not to be frittered away and exhausted by any one generation. Every generation owes a duty to all succeeding generations to develop and conserve the natural resources of the nation in the best possible way. It is in the interest of mankind. It is in the interest of the Nation.2. Drastic changes are required to be made to India's Mines and Minerals law, in turn affecting various sectors such as forest, environment, tribes communities and the development of the area from where minerals are extracted and for protecting wild life as well as prohibiting pollution of rivers. Development strategy should be such that it caters the needs of the present without negotiating the ability of upcoming generations to satisfy their needs. The strict observance of sustainable development will put us on a path that ensures development while protecting the environment, a path that works for all peoples and for all generations.