Judgment :-

R.V. RAVEENDRAN, J.

1. Leave granted.

2. In these appeals by special leave, the appellants challenge the orders of the Division Bench of the Rajasthan High Court, dismissing its appeals against a common order of the learned Single Judge, restricting the interest on arrears of royalty to 12% per annum, instead of 24% per annum demanded by the State of Rajasthan.

3. The first respondent in each of these appeals is or was the holder of a mining lease for limestone. Section 9 of the Mines and Minerals (Development and Regulation) Act, 1957 (`Act' for short) deals with Royalties in respect of mining leases. Sub-section (2) thereof requires the holder of a mining lease to pay royalty in respect of any mineral removed or consumed by him from the leased area at the rate for the time being specified in the Second Schedule to the Act, in respect of that mineral. Sub- section (3) thereof empowers the Central Government, by notification published in the official gazette, to amend the Second Schedule so as to enhance the rates at which royalty shall be payable in respect of any mineral with effect from such date as may be specified in the notification.

4. By notification dated 5.5.