The court mandates timely consideration of No Objection Certificate applications as per the provisions of the Kerala Minor Mineral Concession Rules.

JUDGMENT

Dated this the 26^th day of December, 2025 The petitioner purchased land along with building and is conducting a Hotel in the said building. The building was constructed after extraction and removal of ordinary earth from the foundation of the building. The parking area of the said Hotel is insufficient for its customers. Hence, the petitioner intended to prepare more parking area after extraction and removal of granite building stone from the property. Without removing the granite building stone it is impossible to park the vehicles. The activity of the petitioner does not amount to winning of any mineral and hence, the activity would come under the purview of Rule 104 of the Kerala Minor Mineral Concession Rules .

2. For submitting an application before the Government under Rule 104 of the Kerala Minor Mineral Concession Rules through 2^nd respondent, the petitioner has to obtain a No Objection Certificate from the 3^rd respondent. Hence, the petitioner submitted Ext.P7 application before the 3^rd respondent. The 3^rd respondent forward the application to the 4^th respondent and the 4^th respondent submitted a favourable report and recommended for issuance of No Objection Certificate. Even after about one year from the date of submission of the application, the 3^rd respondent did not consider the same in spite of repeated requests. Hence, the petitioner has approached this Court seeking to direct the 3^rd respondent to consider Ext.P7 application submitted by the petitioner within a reasonable period.

3. Heard the learned counsel for the petitioner and the learned Government Pleader representing the respondents.

4. From the pleadings I find that the petitioner has preferred Ext.P7 application for No Objection Certificate before the 3^rd respondent. In the facts of the case, it would be only just and proper that the 3^rd respondent considers the same and passes appropriate orders thereon in accordance with law within a reasonable time.

The writ petition is accordingly disposed of directing the

3^rd respondent to consider Ext.P7 application and pass orders thereon within a period of one month, if the application is received and pending.