The Ministry of Mines (MoM), on July 30, 2026, notified the Mines and Minerals Adjudication of Penalties Rules, 2026 to establish the procedure for adjudication of civil penalties under the Mines and Minerals (Development and Regulation) Act, 1957. The rules prescribe the framework for filing complaints, conducting inquiries, imposing penalties, and filing appeals. The rules will come into force from August 1, 2026.
The rules empower authorised gazetted officers to file complaints regarding contraventions, prescribe a structured inquiry process with opportunities for hearings, including through video conferencing, and require adjudicating officers to complete proceedings within six months. They also specify factors to be considered while determining the quantum of penalty, such as the nature, duration, frequency, and impact of the contravention, along with the person's compliance history.
The rules also introduce a summary disposal mechanism, allowing eligible persons to avoid inquiry by rectifying the contravention and paying the prescribed minimum penalty, subject to specified conditions. Additionally, they provide for the transfer of complaints, an appeal mechanism requiring a 10% pre-deposit of the penalty amount, and procedural timelines for disposal of cases.
[G.S.R. 682(E)]
