‘Royalty Not In The Nature Of Tax’: SC Rejects Review Petitions Against Verdict Allowing States To Levy Tax On Mineral Rights

A nine-judge Constitution Bench of the Supreme Court Today (Oct 4) rejected review petitions against its judgment which held that royalty paid by mining operators to the Central government is not a tax and that states have the power to levy cesses on mining and mineral-use activities. Justice Nagarathna dissented from the majority and issued notice on the review petitions.