In Brief
Mining companies sought leases for building stone under Uttar Pradesh's old policy allowing direct grants. The State issued a new Government Order in May 2012 mandating competitive e-tendering for all minerals. When leases were granted to the appellants under the old policy despite pending applications, the High Court quashed them, finding the grants violated the new Order. The Supreme Court upheld the High Court, holding that pending applications confer no vested right to be decided under old rules, and legitimate expectation doctrine cannot prevent policy changes serving public interest and resource conservation.
The lawyer headnote and full judgment text are available to registered users.