On October 7, 2023, the Supreme Court assigned Chief Justice of India D Y Chandrachud to oversee four nine-judge bench matters.
Out of the four, the court concluded hearings in March 2024 to determine whether states can charge mining leaseholders in addition to the royalties required under the Mines and Minerals (Development and Regulation) Act, 2023. Another nine-judge bench case from the list of state power cases is presently being heard by the court. It concerns whether states have the authority to regulate and tax “industrial alcohol” or if the federal government has sole authority over the matter.
The Supreme Court has been considering the final two cases on the list for more than 20 years. What you need know about them is as follows:
According to Article 39(b) of the Indian Constitution, “The State” is required to establish laws to ensure “that the ownership and control of the community’s material resources are so distributed as best to subserve the common good.” This clause is contained in the “Directive Principles of State Policy” section of Part IV of the Constitution, which serves as a set of guidelines for the creation of legislation but is not immediately enforceable against individuals.
Old, decaying structures that house tenants while growing more dangerous from neglect are common in Mumbai’s densely populated areas.
