Supreme Court's Historic Verdict: A Big Win for Jharkhand on Mining Royalty

Jharkhand Chief Minister Hemant Soren hailed the Supreme Court's order on mining royalty as a 'historic' decision, ensuring the state receives Rs 1.36 lakh-crore from the Centre. The court ruled that states have the power to tax mineral rights. The funds will be distributed over 12 years for public welfare.

Jharkhand Chief Minister Hemant Soren on Wednesday hailed the Supreme Court's order on mining royalty as a 'historic' and 'big victory' for the state.

Soren stated that this ruling would facilitate Jharkhand in receiving Rs 1.36 lakh-crore dues from the Centre.

In a landmark judgment boosting mineral-rich states, the Supreme Court authorized states to recover royalty and tax dues on mineral rights and mineral-bearing lands from the Centre and mining firms since April 1, 2005, over a 12-year period.

The top court's July 25 verdict affirmed that legislative power to tax mineral rights resides with states, not Parliament.

Expressing gratitude to the Supreme Court, Soren posted on X, ''Big victory! Our persistent demand succeeded with the Supreme Court's historic decision.'' ''Now Jharkhand will get its dues of Rs 1.36 lakh crore from the Centre. Your government has persistently raised its voice regarding these dues/rights of every Jharkhandi,'' Soren added.

Soren mentioned that mineral royalty arrears will be paid from 2005.

''This payment will be executed in phases over 12 years, benefiting every resident of Jharkhand,'' he said. ''The funds will be utilized for public welfare.''

(With inputs from agencies.)