Judgement of the Supreme Court of India in the matter of The Goa Foundation Vs M/s Sesa Sterlite Ltd. & Others dated 07/02/2018 regarding illegal mining in the State of Goa. Apex Court noted that the State of Goa was obliged to grant fresh mining leases in accordance with law and not second renewals to the mining lease holders. Also the second renewal of the mining leases granted by the State of Goa was unduly hasty, without taking all relevant material into consideration and ignoring available relevant material and therefore not in the interests of mineral development.

Supreme Court directs that the State of Goa should take all necessary steps to grant fresh mining leases in accordance with the provisions of the Mines and Minerals (Development and Regulation) Act, 1957. The Ministry of Environment and Forest should also take all necessary steps to grant fresh environmental clearances to those who are successful in obtaining fresh mining leases.