In Brief
Bharat Coking Coal Ltd sought eviction of unauthorized occupants from coal mining land in Dhanbad that had been nationalized under the Coal Mines (Nationalisation) Act, 1973. The respondents argued the land was private property and not actively used for coal mining. The Supreme Court held that the definition of 'mine' under Section 2(h) is broad and includes lands used for administrative purposes and staff residence connected to mining operations. Vesting of the nationalized assets occurred automatically from the appointed date, regardless of prior private ownership or current usage. The High Court's orders setting aside eviction were reversed and the eviction order was confirmed.
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