SANTHIPRIYA MINERALS PVT. LTD. Vs. STATE OF KARNATAKA

JUDGEMENT

(1.) As common questions of law and fact arise in these two petitions, they are taken up together for final disposal.

(2.) It is the case of the petitioners in both the petitions that the extended period of quarrying leases granted to them during the pendency of the present petitions will expire on 31st March, 2020. It is their case that they have paid large amounts to the State Government. It is their case that there is an urgency involved in the matter as there is a prayer made for extension of the lease period. Accordingly, with the consent of the learned Additional Government Advocate representing the respondents, we have heard these petitions on 16th and 17th March, 2020.

(3.) A brief reference to the factual aspects of both the cases will be necessary. In W.P. No.50456 of 2019, on 10th June, 1954, a mining lease was granted to one Shri K.C.Thimma Reddy in respect of the subject land for mining manganese ore. The lease was granted for a period of twenty years. As the lease was to expire on 9th June, 1974, an application for renewal was made by the original lessee. Accordingly, renewal was granted.