The Bombay High Court (Nagpur Bench) has permitted Dalmia Cement (Bharat) Ltd. to file a fresh representation to the Maharashtra government for extending the validity of its Letter of Intent (LOI) for the Gojoli-Somanapalli-Dongargaon limestone mining block in Chandrapur district.
The LOI, issued on 10 September 2020 for a 50-year mining lease over 646.55 hectares, had an initial validity of three years, extendable by two years under the Mineral (Auction) Rules, 2015. The company sought the full two-year extension in May 2023 but was granted only up to 9 September 2025, effectively about five months.
Dalmia Cement argued that it had applied in time, was not at fault for the government’s delay in deciding the request, and should not be penalised. The Court found that the application clearly sought two years from the expiry date and that the authorities had not considered it in the true letter and spirit.
Disposing of the petition, the Court allowed the company to apply afresh within one week and directed the State to decide the application by 2 September 2025. If denied, the company may file a new petition.
Appearances:
Mr. Shashank Garg, Senior Advocate a/b. Mr. Jatin Kumar with Ms Nishtha Jain with Mr. Aashray Chaudhari, Advocates for Petitioner.
Mr Saurabh Chaudhari, Advocate for Respondent No.1.
Mr. H. R. Dhumale, A.G.P. for Nos.2 and 3/State.
