CORAM: HONOURABLE MR. JUSTICE SANDEEP KUMAR ORAL ORDER

8 11-12-2025 Heard the learned counsel for the petitioner, the learned counsel for the State and the learned Spl. PP for the Mines Department.

2. This writ petition has been filed on behalf of the petitioner seeking the following relief(s):-

i) To issue an appropriate writ, order or direction in the nature of mandamus commanding the Respondents to refund Rs. 2,51,10,000/- deposited by the Petitioner as Security Deposit for settlement of Bhojpur Sand Ghat no. 02, considering the fact that State Environment Impact Assessment Authority, Bihar has rejected the petitioner's proposal for grant of Environment Clearance vide Ref No. 178 dated 24.04.2024;

ii) This Hon'ble Court may adjudicate and hold that since the State Environment Impact Assessment Authority, Bihar has rejected Petitioner's proposal for grant of environment clearance, which is an essential prerequisite for conducting mining activity under Rule 18 (2); Rule 28 and Rule 29(A)(1)(e) of the Bihar Minerals (Concession, Prevention of Illegal Mining, Transportation & Storage) Rules, 2019, the petitioner is entitled for refund of Rs. 2,51,10,000/-deposited as Security Deposit