RAJASTHAN HIGH COURT
S.N.Bhargava, J.
Chander Raj - Appellant
Versus
State of Rajasthan And Anr. - Respondent
S.B. Civil Second Appeal No. 21 of 1973.
Decided On : 03-12-1984
mining lease - recovery of security and dead-rent - Kharda and Bambolai mines - [Mining Act, Section 8] - The court discussed the issuance of a certificate by the Tehsildar, the jurisdiction of the State to grant mining leases, and the ownership of the land. The court found that the plaintiff was not allowed to work on the Kharda mines and that the land of Bhambolai mine belonged to His Highness, Jodhpur, leading to the decision to refund the security and dead-rent to the plaintiff.
Fact of the Case:
The plaintiff filed a suit against the defendants for the recovery of a sum of Rs. 2,300, alleging that he was restrained from working on the leased mines and seeking a refund of the security and dead-rent.
Finding of the Court:
The court found that the plaintiff was not allowed to work on the Kharda mines and that the land of Bhambolai mine belonged to His Highness, Jodhpur, leading to the decision to refund the security and dead-rent to the plaintiff.
Issues: The issues included whether the plaintiff was restrained from working on the mines, the jurisdiction of the State to grant mining leases, the validity of the plaintiff's notice, and the effect of the plaintiff's surrender letter on the suit.
Ratio Decidendi: The court's decision was influenced by the plaintiff being restrained from working on the mines and the ownership of the land, leading to the refund of the security and dead-rent to the plaintiff.
Final Decision: The appeal was allowed, the judgments of the two courts were set aside, and the plaintiff's suit for a sum of Rs. 2,300 was decreed with costs throughout, along with 6% interest from the date of suit till realization.
"It is certified that the Mining Lease granted to Shri Chander Raj Singhvi in village Bhambholi and village Kharda, was not given possession because the village Bhambholi belongs to H.H. Jodhpur a personal property. The possession in Kharda was not given because it was near Kharda dam boundary and the working would have been dangerous to the Dam."
Therefore, the plaintiff filed the present suit for the refund of the security its well as dead-rent. The defendants in their written statement stated that the land of Bhamboli mine belonged to His Highnees or that the plaintiff was allowed to work on the Kharda mines. It further pleaded that Tehsildar was not competent to issue any certificate like Ex. 2., as the land belong to the Mining Department. It however took a plea that the plaintiff has surrendered the two leases which was accepted by the department therefore, plaintiff was not entitled to refund of any amount. Following issue were framed:
"1. Whether after taking the contract of Kharda and Bambolai mines, the revenue authorities and the employees of His Highnees restrained the plaintiff, as given in para No. 3 of the Plaint?
2. Whether the contract given by the defendants was beyond the powers and authority?
3. Whether the notice given by the plaintiff was defective and hence the suit is not maintainable?
4. Whether the plaintiff on 17-6-66 served a surrender letter for both the leases and if so what would be its effect on the suit?
5. Relief."
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