The Supreme Court ruled that CERC’s 13% tariff cap does not nullify Himachal Pradesh’s contractual right to 18% free power from JSW Hydro. Contractual obligations prevail over regulatory limits, the Court emphasized.
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.
Today(on 25th July),The Supreme Court ruled that states have the authority to tax mines and mineral-bearing lands under the Constitution, with an 8:1 majority. Chief Justice D.Y. Chandrachud clarified that royalty on minerals is not a tax and that Parliament lacks the power to tax mineral rights.
