Sri. T. M. Naseer v. State of Karnataka
Case brief
What is this about?
The petitioner challenged a demand notice dated 06.05.2026 issued by the Senior Geologist, Department of Mines and Geology, Chikkamagaluru, demanding ₹3,69,19,410 as fine under Rule 44-A of the Karnataka Minor Minerals Concession (Amendment) Rules, 2026 for alleged excess extraction and transportation of building stone. The petitioner contended the notice was issued without a hearing. The Government Advocate accepted notice and submitted the demand notice may be treated as a show-cause notice. The High Court directed the impugned notice to be considered as a show-cause notice and directed Respondent No.3 to pass a final order after affording the petitioner an opportunity of hearing, reserving all rights and contentions including the voluntariness of the OTS.
What did the court decide?
Impugned demand notice dated 06.05.2026 to be treated as a show-cause notice; Respondent No.3 to pass final order after affording petitioner opportunity of hearing within two weeks; all rights and contentions reserved.