Archive · 20 Aug 2026
Congress-Backed States Challenge New Mining Law in Supreme Court
Some Indian state governments want the Supreme Court to review a new mining law.
The states are led by the Congress party.
Karnataka, Telangana and Himachal Pradesh are already supporting the proposed case.
Congress is also discussing the issue with its ally, Jharkhand Mukti Morcha.
They hope the Jharkhand government will join the challenge.
The law was passed by Parliament on August 13, 2026.
Congress says the law weakens the rights of state governments.
The law limits how states can tax mineral rights and lands containing minerals.
Congress-led states are expected to challenge the mining amendment in court.
Karnataka, Telangana and Himachal Pradesh are already supporting the challenge.
Congress is seeking Jharkhand government participation through its ally Jharkhand Mukti Morcha.
The Mines and Minerals Amendment Act was passed by Parliament on August 13, 2026.
The law restricts states’ power to tax mineral rights and mineral-bearing lands.
- Who
- Congress-backed state governments, including Karnataka, Telangana and Himachal Pradesh, with possible participation by Jharkhand.
- What
- The states are expected to challenge the Mines and Minerals (Development and Regulation) Amendment Act, 2026, in the Supreme Court.
- When
- The Act was passed by Parliament on August 13, 2026; the proposed challenge is forthcoming.
- Where
- The challenge would be filed in the Supreme Court of India, involving the governments of Karnataka, Telangana, Himachal Pradesh and potentially Jharkhand.
- Why
- Congress alleges that the amendment undermines state rights by restricting states’ power to levy taxes on mineral rights and mineral-bearing lands.
- Legislation
- Mines and Minerals (Development and Regulation) Amendment Act, 2026
- Passage date
- August 13, 2026
- Proposed forum
- Supreme Court of India
- States already supporting challenge
- Karnataka, Telangana and Himachal Pradesh
- Potential additional state
- Jharkhand
- Central issue
- Restrictions on state taxation of mineral rights and mineral-bearing lands